What Is a Safety-Sensitive Position?

A safety-sensitive position refers to a job where an employee’s performance directly affects the safety of themselves or others, including roles where inadequate task performance or failure to perform could lead to safety incidents.

The most common safety-sensitive positions include: 

• Drivers
• Pharmacists 
• Teachers 
• Police officers 
• Security 
• Pilots 
• Medical care providers 
• Heavy equipment operators 
• Nursing home employees
• Child care providers 

It’s important to check local, state, and federal regulations and laws to see which jobs constitute safety-sensitive jobs and ensure you’re in compliance with relevant laws. You may be able to (or required to) conduct drug tests and gather information about relevant disabilities without infringing on privacy or anti-discrimination laws, but it’s important to do your research to make sure you’re in compliance.

The FMCSA and FAA are specific when the type of roles that involve safety-sensitive functions. The FAA Code of Federal Regulations lists which functions require a drug and alcohol testing program. 

Background screening is when organizations use third-party providers like us at ScoutLogic to properly vet candidates for job positions. 

The sources may include credit bureaus, public records, previous employers, and law enforcement. 

Without background screening, employers would only have the information provided by the applicant to make a hiring decision. The problem is that it’s easy for applicants to lie, mislead, or embellish their application. When the safety of others is on the line, proper background screening is even more important. 

Thus, background checks give employers a more complete picture of a job candidate, which will ultimately help recruiters to: 

• Reduce workplace accidents, harassment, and other safety issues 
• Preserve brand image and company reputation 
• Prevent cases of theft and criminal behavior
• Hire the most qualified individuals and boost efficiency 

Below, we cover some examples of background screenings you may want to conduct on certain safety-sensitive positions.

For certain safety-sensitive positions, you may be required to conduct specific checks on your employees. It’s important to make sure you’re following requirements for these types of positions, and additional screening may be required. Do your research to ensure you’re in compliance.

Drivers 

Reviewing the applicant’s public safety data and driving record is crucial for positions where employees or contractors need to operate motor vehicles. Typically, you’ll need to check the candidate’s motor driving records (MVR), which include the following: 

• Driver license status (valid, expired, or suspended)
• Class (operator, commercial driver’s license, etc.) 
• Moving violations, restrictions, or suspensions 
• Felony and misdemeanor convictions such as DUI 

Construction Workers 

Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments. In the event of accidents or safety breaches on a construction site, employers can be held liable.

Background checks verify the candidate’s qualifications, including licenses and certifications required to operate heavy machinery safely. The screening also usually involves criminal checks to reduce the risk of property damage or theft. 

Healthcare Providers 

Healthcare workers require employees to sometimes make life-or-death decisions; thus, they must perform well under pressure. 

Healthcare background checks help to ensure the safe, ethical, and competent practice of medicine at every level. Generally, any function that works with patients will require extensive background checks in the medical field, such as pharmacists, anesthesiologists, nurses, doctors, surgeons, etc. 

Beyond confirming licenses and education, background screenings are essential to ensure the highest standards of care. These screenings include checks that candidates aren’t on healthcare fraud watch lists, abuse registries, or disciplinary action lists, reducing the risk of patient harm and malpractice.

The Role of Workplace Drug Testing

Drug testing plays a vital role in maintaining a secure work environment. Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol in these roles can jeopardize the safety of employees and others, potentially leading to severe harm or even fatalities. 

The purpose of drug tests is to reduce risks associated with substance abuse. It helps to create a safe workplace for everyone by reducing the risk of injuries and accidents caused by impaired workers. 

Many safety-sensitive positions require candidates to successfully pass a 5-panel urine drug test, which adheres to the standards set by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

The following substances are screened for in this test:

• Marijuana (THC)
• Cocaine 
• Amphetamines
• Opioids
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

Ensure you are in compliance with what is required for the position you’re hiring for, which may include requiring a program for random drug testing.

Many employers choose to conduct drug testing during: 

• Pre-employment screening
• When there’s reasonable suspicion
• Ongoing random testing
• Following a workplace accident
• After an employee returns to work following a positive test

In certain instances, additional tests such as breathalyzers or saliva tests may be necessary in order to detect alcohol use, particularly following workplace accidents. 

Ensure that you understand what’s required by law for specific positions and that your process aligns with those requirements.