Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Policy
Updated: 1-30-2025
POLICY STATEMENT: The purpose of this policy is to ensure public safety and maintain a safe and productive work environment for all employees and volunteers by preventing accidents or other dangerous incidents that may result from drug, alcohol, or tobacco use. This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and passengers who have cause to be in company vehicles and other properties.
The possession, use, or sale of alcohol or drugs (legal/illegal) on company premises (including vehicles) during work hours is strictly prohibited. Further, the possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs is prohibited at any time. Employees and volunteers are prohibited from reporting to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An employee or volunteer who is taking a prescription drug must present to the company a statement from the prescribing physician confirming that the prescription drug will not impair work performance.
The company will require drug testing of applicants for employment in safety-sensitive positions. Any applicant who refuses to submit to the test will no longer be considered eligible for employment. The company will also require drug testing of volunteers and employees who hold safety-sensitive positions. Any volunteer or employee who refuses to submit to the test will no longer be considered eligible for employment.
Drug testing shall be conducted in accordance with DOT/USCG rules and regulations. Specifically, individuals will be tested for the presence of controlled substances (marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and alcohol) and will be subject to pre-employment, reasonable cause, periodic, random, and post-accident drug testing. Such individuals MUST TEST NEGATIVE for the presence of controlled substances.
TOBACCO USE POLICY: To further ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees, volunteers, and passengers, the use of all tobacco products—including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, vaping devices, and e-cigarettes—is strictly prohibited:
- On all company property, including offices, break areas, and parking lots.
- In or around company vehicles, whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary.
- While on duty, during work hours, or in the presence of passengers.
- On tobacco-free campuses where medical facilities, educational institutions, or other entities prohibit tobacco use.
While the company cannot prohibit the possession of tobacco products, the use of such products in restricted areas is strictly forbidden. Passengers are also subject to this policy and will be informed that tobacco use is not permitted in or around company vehicles or on tobacco-free campuses.
DISCIPLINE: Employees or volunteers found to be in violation of this policy—whether through direct possession, use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco as described above, a verified positive drug test, or a court conviction—will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer agreement. Any volunteer or employee who fails to cooperate with the requirements set forth in this policy, including refusal to test, failure to provide a specimen within a reasonable time, failure to report for a scheduled appointment to provide a specimen, or adulteration of a specimen, will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include immediate termination.
ADMINISTRATIVE: The company strictly prohibits the use, possession, and/or sale of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, unsanctioned alcohol, or tobacco products aboard company vehicles or property. The company will cooperate fully with public authorities in the prosecution of anyone in violation of this prohibition.
Information concerning drug, alcohol, and/or tobacco policy violations, as well as related test results, will be treated as confidential information. Such information will be released only to management representatives who have a need to know. This information will also be provided to the Coast Guard or other federal and state agencies where required by law or regulation. Test results or documentation showing that an employee or volunteer has been subject to random drug testing shall be provided to that individual or their designated representative upon written request.
By implementing this policy, the company reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe and professional environment for employees, volunteers, and passengers.