Industry Blogs & Notices

The Latest News and Resources in Health & Safety
Nov 12

The Role of Regular Screenings in Managing Chronic Illnesses in the Workplace

Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and heart disease, are among the leading causes of disability and absenteeism in the ...
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Nov 12
Dec 1

Oral Fluid Testing Myths Get Busted

There is plenty of misinformation regarding the science of drug testing floating around. This guide explains the facts behind the most common oral ...
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Why Use Lab-Based Oral Fluid Drug Testing?

What makes oral fluid testing so different? Find out by downloading this fact sheet.
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Misconceptions About a Drug-Free Workplace

A company without a drug-free workplace system in place is losing money. Find out more in this guide.
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Get the Secrets to a Drug-Free Workplace

Maybe you’re thinking about implementing a drug-free workplace program. Maybe you already have one in place and want to make it better.
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How to Plan Your Next Onsite Drug and Alcohol Testing

Performing on-site drug test collections at your place of business or job site offers many benefits, including simplified logistics
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Reasonable-Suspicion Drug Testing Guide

The complexities of employment screening can be overwhelming.
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Everything HR Professionals Need to Know About Background Checks

The complexities of employment screening can be overwhelming.
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Maximizing your next on-site testing event

Download the document to find tips to generate the maximum ROI from every testing event.
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Item TitleThree Divergent Paths for Dealing with Opioid Abuse

The opioid crisis has left employers, even small business owners, with a decision to make. Which path do I take to deal with opioids at my workplace?
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Occupational Health Management

If you haven’t yet chosen to implement an OCM program, or you are lacking elements that could improve the health, and thereby the productivity of your team, it’s time for a change.
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Nov 12

A Complete Health and Safety Plan for Employees

As businesses evolve, so too should the strategies for protecting the most valuable asset: the employees. A comprehensive health and safety plan ...
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Nov 12
Nov 1

The Role of Occupational Health in Business Sustainability

In today’s competitive business landscape, sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns; it encompasses the health and well-being of ...
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Nov 1
Oct 30

Understanding Physical Abilities Testing

In today’s competitive job market, employers seek candidates who not only possess the necessary skills but also the physical capabilities to perform ...
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Oct 30
Oct 29

Top 5 Ergonomic Practices to Enhance Workplace Safety

Creating an ergonomic workspace is essential for promoting employee well-being and minimizing the risk of injuries. Ergonomics focuses on designing ...
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Oct 29
Oct 28

How to Prepare for a Post-Accident Rehabilitation Program

Workplace injuries can have significant impacts not only on the affected employees but also on overall business productivity and morale. Implementing ...
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Oct 28
Oct 24

Preventing Falls in the Workplace

Falls are consistently one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, costing businesses in terms of both productivity and financial liability. ...
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Oct 24
Oct 22

Enhancing Safety and Productivity with Workplace Ergonomics

In today’s fast-paced work environment, employee well-being is a top priority for organizations aiming to maximize productivity and minimize risks. ...
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Oct 22
Oct 21

Understanding OSHA Standards: A Guide for Employers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a critical role in ensuring workplace safety across various industries. As an ...
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Oct 21
Oct 18

Health and Safety Regulations: What Your Business Needs to Know

Health and safety regulations are crucial for protecting employees and creating a safe work environment. Understanding and complying with these ...
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Oct 18
Oct 15

Top 5 Workplace Hazards and How to Mitigate Them

Ensuring a safe work environment is vital for the well-being of employees and the success of any organization. Understanding common workplace hazards ...
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Oct 15
Oct 14

Why Eye Safety Should Be a Priority for Your Business

Eye injuries can be life-altering, with even minor incidents leading to significant long-term vision problems. According to the American Academy of ...
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Oct 14
Oct 11

Streamline Your Workplace Safety with SHIELD

At Workplace Safety Screenings, we recognize the complexities of managing employee screenings, drug testing, and occupational health. To help you ...
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Oct 11
Oct 10

The Importance of Audiology Exams

Hearing is one of our most vital senses, yet it is often taken for granted until issues arise. Regular audiology exams play a crucial role in ...
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Oct 10
Oct 8

Concussion Awareness: Promoting Education and Prevention for Safer Environments

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur in various settings, including sports, workplaces, and everyday activities. At ...
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Oct 8
Oct 4

Choosing the Right C/TPA

In today’s regulatory environment, selecting the right workplace safety screening provider is critical for businesses aiming to maintain compliance ...
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Oct 4
Oct 3

Why Background Screenings Are Essential for Preventing Workplace Risks

In today’s competitive job market, finding and hiring the right candidates is more important than ever. Background screenings are a great tool to ...
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Oct 3
Oct 2

The Importance of Covid-19 Testing and Vaccination in 2024

As we progress further into 2024, COVID-19 continues to present challenges for businesses. Despite the perception that the pandemic is behind us, ...
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Oct 2
Sep 27

Understanding and Managing Stress in the Workplace

Workplace stress is an issue that can affect both employees and employers. It’s not just about managing workload but also about creating an ...
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Sep 27
Sep 25

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Occupational Health

Many businesses focus on workplace safety, ensuring that their environments are free from hazards and that employees are protected from accidents. ...
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Sep 25
Jun 4

Understanding USCG Compliance: Ensuring Safety in the Maritime Industry

In the maritime industry, safety is paramount. Ensuring the safety of crew members and vessels requires adherence to strict regulations, particularly ...
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Jun 4
May 9

Understanding and Implementing the National Safety Stand-down

The National Safety Stand-down began as a pivotal initiative on Workers Memorial Day in 2012. This two-year campaign aimed to enhance awareness and ...
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May 9
May 7

National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

Imagine a world where the fear of falling doesn’t hold us back from building something truly remarkable. From May 6 to 10, 2024, we have the 11th ...
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May 7
Apr 30

Understanding Employment Screenings: A Closer Look

Employment screenings are a crucial step in the hiring process, ensuring that candidates are qualified and trustworthy. Here’s what you need to know:
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Apr 30
Apr 25

Occupational Health: Your Businesses Ace-In-The-Hole

Preventable chronic conditions are a significant contributor to the high costs of health insurance premiums and employee medical claims in the United ...
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Apr 25
Apr 18

Ensuring Safety: Protecting New Employees from Workplace Injuries

It’s vital to recognize that new members of our team might initially navigate our spaces with less certainty, particularly when it comes to safety ...
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Apr 18
Apr 16

What Is Safety Culture?

Establishing a robust safety culture within a company is essential for enhancing employee health and safety and reducing the risk of accidents. Let's ...
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Apr 16
Apr 11

Transforming Lives:  Occupational Therapy Month

April is OT Month! This represents a cornerstone of public health, meticulously woven to address the multifaceted challenges posed by ...
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Apr 11
Apr 9

Addressing the Surge in Fatal Falls: Safeguarding Workplace Safety in Construction

The Center for Construction Research and Training revealed a stark reality: fatal falls to a lower level among construction workers surged by over ...
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Apr 9
Apr 4

How "Random" is Your Company's Random Drug Testing?

A friend of mine tells a story about being selected for a so-called random drug test at a Houston company within a day or two of having had an ...
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Apr 4
Apr 2

Motor Vehicle Deaths: Know the Stats: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

In our quest for constant connectivity, we've stumbled upon an unintended consequence that unfolds on our roadways. A recent analysis by the National ...
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Apr 2
Mar 28

Audiometric Testing

In today's fast-paced and often noisy work environments, understanding and implementing effective hearing conservation practices is essential for a ...
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Mar 28
Mar 20

DOT's Guidelines on Oral Fluid Testing: Workplace Understandings

On June 1, 2023, HHS approved oral fluid testing, blending innovation with empathy. Whether it's overcoming the discomfort of shy bladder syndrome, ...
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Mar 20
Mar 16

The Advantage of Hair Drug Testing in Workplace Safety

Introduction to Hair Drug Testing: Explaining the basics, how it works, and why it's a reliable method for detecting chronic drug use.
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Mar 16
Mar 12

Substance Abuse – A Silent Threat to Workplace Dynamics and Safety

The hidden menace of substance abuse is unraveling the fabric of our workplaces, threatening the core of team cohesion and operational safety. ...
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Mar 12
Mar 1

Navigating the Ripple Effects of Substance Abuse in the Workplace

When we consider the fabric of a thriving organizational culture or workplace, the well-being of each team member stands at the core of sustained ...
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Mar 1
Feb 23

Enhancing Workplace Safety: The Essential Role of Comprehensive Screenings

In today's fast-paced work environments, ensuring safety isn't just a priority—it's a necessity. Every 90 minutes, a worker tragically loses their ...
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Feb 23
Feb 15

Implementing Safety Training: Five Steps and Best Practices

Discover the best practices for implementing safety training to ensure a safe work environment.
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Feb 15
Feb 13

The Role of Employee Assistance Programs in Promoting Mental Health

Explore the crucial role of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in supporting mental health and creating a positive work environment.
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Feb 13
Jan 23

Unmasking the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Discover the hidden symptoms of sleep apnea and learn how to identify if a driver needs to take a sleep apnea test.
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Jan 23
Jan 23

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January serves as National Human Trafficking Month
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Jan 23
Jan 17

Mastering DOT's Streamlined DAMIS Submission Process

Discover the latest updates and steps to navigate the DOT's streamlined DAMIS submission process effectively.
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Jan 17
Jan 12

The Ultimate Guide: How to Conduct a Background Check

Discover the step-by-step process of conducting a comprehensive background check for potential employees.
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Jan 12
Jan 9

Drug Testing in the Workplace: What You Need to Know

Discover the importance of drug testing in the workplace and gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact.
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Jan 9
Dec 29

Fentanyl Testing

Discover the importance of fentanyl testing and its implications within DOT regulations.
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Dec 29
Dec 1

Understanding Hazwoper Physical Requirements

Discover the essential physical requirements for HAZWOPER professionals and how they play a crucial role in ensuring safety and effectiveness in ...
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Dec 1
Nov 17

Preparing for Flu and Covid Season

Embracing flu season, now COVID season, and keeping in mind that COVID can turn into Long COVID, in this blog, we'll discuss integrating preventive ...
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Nov 17
Sep 20

Empowering Employers: Unveiling State Drug Testing Laws Part II

In the realm of workplace drug testing, multiple factors come into play, shaped by numerous statutes, regulations, laboratory licensing requirements, ...
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Sep 20
Aug 14

The Rising Popularity of Hair Follicle Drug Tests

Recently, the hair drug test has emerged as one of the more contemporary methods of drug screening, rapidly gaining favor among employers and for ...
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Aug 14
Jul 27

Understanding Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatments

As temperatures soar, it becomes crucial to stay vigilant about the risks of heat-related illnesses, particularly heat exhaustion and heat stroke. ...
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Jul 27
Jul 13

Ensuring Safe Indoor Air Quality: Key Insights and Evaluation Methods

At Workplace Safety Screenings, we understand the significance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment, particularly when it comes to air quality ...
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Jul 13
Jan 31

Medical Marijuana in The Workplace: It's Complicated

Medical marijuana in the workplace has become a highly discussed topic as more states legalize its use for medicinal purposes. Today, employers are ...
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Jan 31
Aug 19

Build your business by finding the best candidate

Workplace Safety Screenings offers affordable and comprehensive pre-employment screenings to help businesses make the most of every dollar. The cost ...
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Aug 19
Jul 21

Keep Your Vessels Moving: The Benefits of a Port Health Safety Program

Since 2020, Americans have had to think about the way in which all of the things that are usually found in local stores make their way to those store ...
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Jul 21
Jul 14

Just Walk It Off: The High Costs of Delayed Medical Care

According to a Gallup survey, more and more people are delaying medical care because of costs. Added to the financial strain of receiving treatment ...
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Jul 14
Jul 12

Workplace Harassment: Training Isn't Always Enough

A recent claim of harassment was revived by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court Of Appeals. In the case of Stamey v. Forest River, Inc., No. 21-1539, a ...
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Jul 12
Jul 5

A Tight Fit: Safety in Confined Spaces

Cartoons and movies have deceived us into believing that one can escape a police chase, make their way through city streets undetected or find a ...
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Jul 5
Jun 30

Keeping Business Alive When COVID-19 Refuses to Leave

"The pandemic continues and we're going to continue working on fighting the pandemic and getting it under much better control," White House COVID-19 ...
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Jun 30
Jun 23

Properly Fitting Face Masks for Peace of Mind

Seeing people wear masks in public spaces is a common scene in what we refer to as “the new normal.” While the experts and the data on cloth face ...
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Jun 23
Jun 21

Staying Ahead of All Federal Safety Regulations

The Department of Health and Human Services proposed these changes to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs in April ...
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Jun 21
Jun 16

The When, Why, & How of Safety Training - Part 3

Workplace Safety Screenings is wrapping up a three-part series on workplace safety. We have discussed the when and the why, but we would be remiss if ...
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Jun 16
Jun 13

COVID-19 Isn't Over: Attack It From Every Angle

At the writing of this post, almost 100,000 daily Covid cases and 322 average daily Covid deaths are being reported. Global organizations, the United ...
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Jun 13
Jun 9

The When, Why, & How of Safety Training - Part 2

Workplace Safety Screenings stresses the importance of letting your workers in on the why of safety protocols. Sure, everyone can comprehend that ...
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Jun 9
Jun 3

The When, Why, & How of Safety Training - Part 1

Workplace Safety may be such an old hat in your industry that you rarely give it much thought, other than making sure that your HR department knows ...
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Jun 3
May 19

Solutions for the Workplace: Cutting through COVID-19 Debates

“Compared to the early days of the pandemic, COVID-19 is now preventable, treatable, and controllable. But just as we adapted before, we need to ...
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May 19
May 16

The Workplace & Marijuana: What to Think When the Rules Keep Changing

We cannot get away from the subject of marijuana. Every day is another development in how lawmakers are reacting to an old drug gaining new ...
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May 16
May 12

Losing Out: Is Your Application Process Costing You Good Candidates?

If you’ve been around a while, you know we write extensively on the importance of prescreening job seekers. We make sure the people who apply are who ...
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May 12
May 9

Costly to Ignore: Mental Health & the Workplace

“Excessive workplace stress causes a staggering 120,000 deaths and results in nearly $190 billion in health care costs each year.” -Center for ...
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May 9
Apr 27

Two Against One: Battling COVID-19 & Inflation While Running a Business

Is Covid still a threat to your business? Even though the U.S. is experiencing another surge in Covid cases in some parts of the nation due to ...
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Apr 27
Apr 21

Money Isn't Everything: The Less Tangible Benefits of Background Checks

We’ve written extensively on the financial benefits of background checks, or conversely the cost of having to replace an employee you did not ...
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Apr 21
Apr 14

A Prevention Perspective: Where a Healthy Worksite Starts

“The best cure is prevention.” That statement, most often used in relation to personal health, is simple but profound. It can find application well ...
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Apr 14
Apr 11

Don't Let One Bad Apple Spoil the Bunch: The Hidden Cost of Toxic Employees

The cost of hiring the wrong employee goes well beyond replacing that employee, or even the time and money that might have been lost on training the ...
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Apr 11
Apr 7

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Fentanyl Disguised as a Prescription

The Fentanyl crisis has been a regular top news story and public policy issue since well before the onset of COVID-19. After the pandemic forced the ...
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Apr 7
Mar 28

It's Get'n Hot in Here: Preparing for the Safety Risks of Summer.

Heat stress can kill. Most of us avoid high heat temps because they are uncomfortable, but they are Most of us avoid high heat temps because they are ...
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Mar 28
Mar 24

Slow and Steady: The Proper Steps to Return to Work After An Injury

Injuries mean time away from work. Time away from work means inactivity.
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Mar 24
Mar 22

Is There Such a Thing as Working Too Hard? Don't underestimate the dangers of overexertion.

When it comes to workplace injuries, the common assumption is that they are the result of negligence or carelessness, but one of the most common ...
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Mar 22
Mar 17

Keep the Shiny Side Up: Keeping your drivers Safe, your profits high, and your liability low

The last two years have emphasized to the masses just how critical the trucking industry is to our economy and our way of life. More than just being ...
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Mar 17
Mar 14

Everybody Wins: How Business Owners Benefit from Background Screenings

Background Checks are a necessity for employers, particularly employers who need to fill many positions quickly, but cannot afford to make a bad ...
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Mar 14
Mar 11

Check the Label: Confusing results aren't the only risk with At-home COVID-19 tests

When will the negative news about Covid come to an end? While we are now seeing less severe Covid-related health threats, the not-so-good news keeps ...
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Mar 11
Mar 9

"I Called Dibs!": Competing for the Best Job Candidates during a National Labor Shortage.

When a national labor shortage has you and your competitors vying for the same workers, how do you make sure that you attract the best candidates out ...
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Mar 9
Mar 2

Things Are Changing: Current Trends in Background Screening

Every year brings changes to how we hire, train, and manage our employees. Often the changes are small, but the past two years have seen seismic ...
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Mar 2
Feb 28

School is in Session:  Training and Development can increase Job Retention and Productivity

Employers recruit individuals who have a specific skill set, experience, and ability to perform the responsibilities of a vacant position. Employees ...
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Feb 28
Feb 25

Bait the Hook: Why Workplace Wellness Programs are Here to Stay

What is the difference between government regulated safety standards and additional wellness programs that make your company’s benefits package more ...
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Feb 25
Feb 22

Stay Compliant: Do You Know Your State's Drug Laws?

“Under Texas and federal laws, there is almost no limitation at all on the right of private employers to adopt drug and alcohol testing policies for ...
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Feb 22
Feb 11

Is That Yours: The Rise of Employee Theft

Three out of four employees admit to stealing from their employer at least once. Employee fraud occurs for two years, on average, prior to being ...
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Feb 11
Feb 9

The High Cost of common Safety Mishaps

Workplace Safety is imperative for reducing accidents and injuries, but many of your skilled managers and staff often ignore the common safety ...
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Feb 9
Jan 31

Improved Safety & Higher Profits: A Drug-Free Policy for the New Year

As you begin a new year, increased safety and higher profits are most likely on your business agenda. That means implementing a drug-free work ...
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Jan 31
Jan 25

Not Just Statistics: Real World Worker Injuries

Workplace Safety Screenings is in the business of helping employers understand the risks of workplace injury and death. As much as we offer ...
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Jan 25
Jan 20

Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce

The age diversity in the current workforce is the widest ever. It is now common for organizations to have employees working side-by-side with those ...
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Jan 20
Dec 19

Help Wanted: What to Do in a Covid Induced Labor Shortage

We have no doubt, whether as a business owner or as a consumer, you are painfully aware of the labor shortage that is still plaguing the U.S. ...
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Dec 19
Dec 13

One Size Does Not Fit All: Getting a Pre-Screening Program Customized for your Specific Needs

When you think about Pre-employment Screening, the first thing that pops into your mind is probably the cost, but if you factor in return on ...
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Dec 13
Dec 1

How Random is Your Company's Random Drug Tests?

A friend of mine tells a story about being selected for a so-called random drug test at a Houston company within a day or two of having had an ...
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Dec 1
Nov 23

It's Gett'n Cold Outside: Weather Proofing your Workplace Safety Program

In February of 2021, Texas experienced a winter weather storm that residents lovingly refer to as “Snow-mageddon” or “Snowpocalypse.” To put it ...
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Nov 23
Nov 17

Why Post Accident Drug Testing Matters

Now that your company has determined the need for a drug and alcohol policy, it is important to assess key components impacting the effectiveness of ...
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Nov 17
Nov 10

Protect your Business: Stay Up to Date with Changing Drug Laws

“Under Texas and federal laws, there is almost no limitation at all on the right of private employers to adopt drug and alcohol testing policies for ...
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Nov 10
Nov 8

Hey Guys, Remember Me: The return of the common Flu

Mask wearing, social distancing, and the myriad of other precautions, put in place to fight the COVID pandemic, made the influenza virus, what we ...
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Nov 8
Oct 21

Prescription Drug Use in the Workplace

You probably already know the answer to the question, "How do I pass a drug or alcohol test?" First Lady Nancy Reagan had it right in the 1980's when ...
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Oct 21
Oct 4

"Look Out Below!" -The Rise of Workplace Injuries

You’ve probably seen the iconic image of the 1932 New York City construction workers seated above Rockefeller Center during the height of The Great ...
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Oct 4
Sep 9

The Rise of Drug Abuse & Your Business

Drug use is on the rise. In almost every measurable category, we see a surge in substance abuse. In light of these increasing numbers, the question ...
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Sep 9
Sep 1

Leagalized Weed vs. Your own Drug Testing Program

You may have heard about the Gallup poll released last week showing for the first time since 1969, a majority of Americans favors legalizing ...
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Sep 1
Aug 25

Taking A Hard Look at Worksite Eye Injuries

Eye injuries remain one of the most common workplace injuries, despite numerous products available to protect against eye damage. For the business ...
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Aug 25
Jun 9

The Workplace Dangers of Rising Methamphetamine Use

One of the many unfortunate side effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is increased numbers in drug use, at a time when substance abuse was already on the ...
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Jun 9
May 10

Advancements in DNA To Give You Greater Clarity

DNA testing is not new. We’ve been using DNA testing since the early eighties to determine biological relationships, replacing the less precise ...
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May 10
Apr 15

Workplace Noise Hazards Can Do Serious Damage

Job related hearing loss can do permanent damage to your employees and increase the risk of a serious accident at work. Utilizing the proper ...
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Apr 15
Mar 16

PART 2 - Employment & Background Checks: What Do They Want To Know?

Why Is My Employer Asking For A Background Check? Last week, we discussed the basic info about employee background checks--- what they are, the wait ...
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Mar 16
Mar 9

PART 1 - Employment & Background Checks: What Should I Know About The Process?

Why Is My Employer Asking For A Background Check? Background checks are often a prerequisite to employment and volunteering in order to confirm any ...
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Mar 9
Feb 16

Medical Surveillance and Occupational Health Management

What is Medical Surveillance? When you say the words “medical surveillance,” it sounds almost ominous, doesn’t it? This term may not be used in ...
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Feb 16
Feb 9

What does the future of work look like?

These trends, recently published by the National Safety Council, reveal the future of business--it's a business centered on your employees and the ...
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Feb 9
Feb 4

Safety Trends in 2021: PPE, worker wellness, and COVID-19

In 2020, we learned a lot. We, for the first time in the modern age, battled an international pandemic, and it has left a deep impact on the way we ...
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Feb 4
Jan 15

Seasonal advice in the South: Adverse Driving Conditions in the winter

In Texas, our rainy season is from December to May. And, that rain falls differently depending where you are in Texas. In Houston, it’s regular and ...
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Jan 15
Jan 7

COVID-19 Testing to suit your personal needs

Need a COVID-19 test--make WSS your first call. We'll make our service suit your needs.
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Jan 7
Dec 15

What does a negative COVID-19 test mean?

Several COVID-19 tests available today are being used to return to work, for doctor’s office visits, airline admittance, and party acceptance. But, ...
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Dec 15
Dec 15

2021 focus for occupational health: behavioral health

In 2020, employers were swept up in the whirlwind of COVID-19 precaution, prevention, and preparedness. In 2021, it’s unlikely that the COVID-19 ...
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Dec 15
Dec 8

Seasonal health in the South: Staying safe in the cold

In the summer, Houston heat is notorious. And, as such, we have all adapted, with swimming pools dotting city landscapes, cooler than necessary air ...
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Dec 8
Dec 1

You think you have COVID-19...what now?

Everyday, we test people who think they may have COVID-19. Let's share our top tips. Keep this post handy in case you or someone you know begins to ...
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Dec 1
Nov 25

Your Thanksgiving Choices affect your Workplace

COVID-19 isn't over yet Businesses are re-opening, businesses are closing, people are suffering COVID-19 fatigue. It's unlikely that the pandemic is ...
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Nov 25
Nov 17

Holiday hiring: Safety protocol is key

What is attracting workers to businesses hiring this holiday season (and likely 2021?) According to the AP, safety protocols are key to attracting ...
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Nov 17
Nov 16

Tobacco use and COVID-19: A deadly combination

COVID-19 is a virus that primarily attacks your lungs. Tobacco use, including traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes or vaping, damages your lungs ...
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Nov 16
Nov 9

The Bottom Line on Workplace Safety: A Culture of Safety Protects You and Your Workers

For the first time since The Octopus by Upton Sinclair, workplace safety has made the headlines throughout 2020. COVID-19 has refocused every ...
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Nov 9
Nov 4

Oral fluid testing: Another option for employers

Workplace Safety Screenings has used oral fluid testing for more than a decade to eliminate drug test cheating, perform on-site testing, and provide ...
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Nov 4
Nov 2

Drugs in the workplace: What you need to know

Employers in the United States have a problem: One in every 12 employees in the U.S. struggle with substance abuse. These employees may be essential ...
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Nov 2
Oct 27

HR 3884 could endanger the public if passed

How does HR 3884 – Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019 affect your team? Dramatically if you have DOT employees in a state ...
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Oct 27
Oct 20

Hair testing: An effective option for drug testing

In September, the Department of Health and Human Services began seeking public commentary on the use of hair testing for federal employees and ...
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Oct 20
Oct 15

Your employees need first aid training…and CPR and AED training

As we move into the New Year, businesses are scheduling out their training plan, deciding which items are priority for whom and when. One of the top ...
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Oct 15
Oct 13

Calculating ROI of Safety Programs in 2021: Machine-based physical assessment

Safety programs that include drug testing, background checks, and occupational medicine are not new, and, for many businesses, are an essential part ...
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Oct 13
Oct 12

New Hire and Return to Work Physicals: Protecting the company and the employee

A physical exam varies depending on the job and the time on the job. The purpose of a physical is to protect the worker from overexertion or strain, ...
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Oct 12
Oct 8

Calculating ROI of Safety Programs in 2021: Background Checks

Safety programs that include drug testing, background checks, and occupational medicine are not new, and, for many businesses, are an essential part ...
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Oct 8
Oct 1

Importance of health screening during COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 precautions at work help everyone stay healthy, but health screening, both before, during, and after the pandemic can help people know their ...
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Oct 1
Sep 29

Calculating ROI of Safety Programs in 2021: Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines

Safety programs that include drug testing, background checks, and occupational medicine are not new, and, for many businesses, are an essential part ...
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Sep 29
Sep 22

Calculating ROI of Safety Programs in 2021: COVID-19 testing

Safety programs that include drug testing, background checks, and occupational medicine are not new, and, for many businesses, are an essential part ...
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Sep 22
Sep 15

Calculating ROI of Safety Programs in 2021: New variables for consideration

This is the first in a five-part series by WSS on maximizing the ROI of your safety program in 2021.
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Sep 15
Sep 8

Drug Test Positivity at a 16 year high

This month, Quest Diagnostics reported drug use was at a 16 year high across the U.S. Frankly, we’re not surprised. Employers are left with two ...
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Sep 8
Sep 1

Increase workplace mental health by mitigating anxiety

2020 has been a stressful year. For many, it has not only been stressful at home, but also at work. Employers have always been responsible for ...
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Sep 1
Aug 25

Twindemic: How to combat it in 2020

"So beginning this fall, the US for the first time will have to deal with a flu season wrapped in a global pandemic. Or, as the headline on a recent ...
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Aug 25
Aug 14

Mental health needs during COVID-19

Mental health is something that employers take seriously year round, making sure their employees are happy, healthy, and safe, but during times like ...
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Aug 14
Aug 7

Continuous Driver Monitoring: Your key to safety

You can predict an accident before it even happens, keeping your employees safer and reducing the risk of employees getting injured while on the job. ...
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Aug 7
Aug 3

Tobacco in the Workplace

New technology brings tobacco back in house For the past five decades, tobacco use in the United States has been on the decline. Over the past 60 ...
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Aug 3
Aug 1

Heat Safety in the Texas Summer

As we jump straight into summer and 100 degree days, we need to focus and worry about the safety of our employees regarding heart safety and ...
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Aug 1
Jul 21

COVID-19 pandemic leads to increased positive drug tests

Unknown circumstances can cause people to change their behaviors, causing them to do things out of their usual personality traits, and some of these ...
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Jul 21
Jul 15

DOT Physical: Protecting the company and the employee

A physical exam varies depending on the job and the time on the job. The purpose of a physical is to protect the worker from overexertion or strain, ...
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Jul 15
Jun 30

BTE EvalTech: A better tool for assessment

The BTE EvalTech is a new piece of technology that gives companies, recently WSS, a new and comprehensive way to help customers evaluate and manage ...
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Jun 30
Jun 15

Safety Signage to Consider for Your Business

2020 brought us the re-establishment of signage as an essential aspect of any business. However, there are signs you should be posting other than ...
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Jun 15
May 15

Workplace contaminants: Nano- and Micro-plastics in the workplace

As of now, there are no regulations for nano- and micro-plastic workplace contaminants. However, employers should be aware that they bear a ...
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May 15
May 6

Abbott's Open Texas plan & what it means for you

Read the Open Texas report Many Americans are ready to get back to work, and on April 27, Governor Abbott released his plan to Open Texas with ...
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May 6
May 1

Overexertion: A leading cause of workplace injury

According to the National Safety Council, overexertion and bodily reaction is the leading non-fatal injury event involving days away from work, ...
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May 1
Apr 28

Hiring during and after COVID-19

In 2020, hiring is more complex than it has ever been before. We have the tools you need to hire successfully:
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Apr 28
Apr 23

On-site drug testing safely during COVID-19

Drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise. We know that both anecdotally and through statistical analysis of post-traumatic events and current marijuana ...
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Apr 23
Apr 15

Occupational Hearing Loss: The third most common ailment in the U.S.

About 12 percent of the U.S. working population suffer from hearing loss. Unlike the two leading conditions, hypertension and arthritis, hearing loss ...
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Apr 15
Apr 14

Employers required to use updated I-9 May 1, 2020

The I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States, and it is ...
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Apr 14
Apr 7

What do you do after a workplace injury occurs?

Workplace injuries are inevitable. In 2018, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries reported and 5,250 fatalities, according to the Bureau ...
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Apr 7
Apr 1

Injury Facts: Poisoning is #1 in middle age

Accidental death in the United States for working age adults is primarily caused by poisoning, more specifically drug overdose. Accidental death is ...
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Apr 1
Mar 12

Coronavirus Update

As of March 29, President Trump has recommended extending the social distancing guidelines until the end of April. Source An update from the DOT on ...
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Mar 12
Mar 10

Does more drug testing equal a drug-free workplace?

Does running more drug tests equal fewer workers coming to work under the influence? Not necessarily.
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Mar 10
Mar 5

Flu medications that can create a positive drug test result

If you're subject to drug testing, be cautious about which flu medications you take and when. There are prescribed flu medications that can create a ...
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Mar 5
Mar 1

The Three Es of Workplace Injury Prevention

Education Engineering Enforcement of Policy Experts have long relied on the three Es of workplace injury prevention to guide businesses in protecting ...
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Mar 1
Feb 20

DOT recommends against CBD oil

We have been posting on CBD oil for quite some time, and our CEO strongly recommends against its use for those who will be subjected to ...
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Feb 20
Feb 18

Comply with the new FMCSA drug testing rate in 5 steps

In January, the FMCSA kicked off the new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse with required registration for all employers who fall under FMCSA regulation. ...
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Feb 18
Jan 22

FMCSA Clearinghouse Issues Arise

Employers can continue hiring with 49 CFR 391.23(e) procedures
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Jan 22
Jan 7

The right way to deal with workplace harassment

Last week, Dollar General lost a lawsuit in an EEOC case that will cost them $6 million (You can read about it here). An EEOC lawsuit is a business ...
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Jan 7
Jan 6

Change in DOT FMCSA random drug testing rate

On December 27, the FMCSA announced that the annual percentage rate for random drug testing will increase from 25% to 50% of the average number of ...
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Jan 6
Dec 30

Workplace Safety in 2020: Are you prepared?

Many of us are goal setting this week. As business leaders, the line between personal and business goals sometimes becomes blurred. We aim to lead ...
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Dec 30
Nov 6

Occupational Health Management: Employee Health is your business

It’s 2019, and the U.S. economy is again in a cycle of low unemployment, which means that employers are striving to keep their current employees and ...
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Nov 6
Oct 30

The Substance Abuse Prevention Toolkit for Employers

Nearly 21 million Americans are living with substance use disorder, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. That's more than the total number of ...
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Oct 30
Oct 25

FMCSA Clearinghouse Registration Assistance Available

The Clearinghouse is now open for registration for all parties involved, and it is required for any company and driver who operates within FMCSA ...
DOT
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Oct 25
Sep 27

Is your company following the DOT testing procedures?

Does your drug testing company fully understand the DOT drug testing and collections procedures? If not, your employees’ drug testing results could ...
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Sep 27
Sep 12

6 Ways Scheduled Breaks Increase Employee Productivity

Recent research indicates that a significant proportion of American workers continue to struggle with taking adequate breaks during the workday. ...
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Sep 12
Sep 10

7 Reasons A Drug Free Workplace Policy Protects Your Company

Drugs have become very prevalent in society with 60% of illegal world drug production being consumed in the United States. Due to the increase in ...
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Sep 10
Sep 5

Is a blood drug test better than a urine drug test?

Recently I had to tell one of my clients that his “rock star” employee’s drug test came back positive for an illegal substance following a random ...
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Sep 5
Aug 22

Is your Houston drug-free workplace operating on cruise control?

We are a society who likes things fast. Fast food, fast cars, fast internet access and fast phone connections. Like the tag line says, “Faster is ...
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Aug 22
Aug 15

How do you ensure your non-profit is a drug-free workplace?

Non-profit organizations are vital to every community; however, they are susceptible to many challenges due to the nature of the industry. A common ...
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Aug 15
Aug 8

Do your employees think your Houston drug testing program is working?

One thing I've discovered since starting a Houston drug and alcohol screening business is that a lot of people get uncomfortable when they find out ...
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Aug 8
Aug 1

Four ways to protect your business from bath salts abuse

"Bath salts." These words once conjured up images of soaking in a hot bath at the end of a long day. No longer. Rarely has a benign term taken on a ...
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Aug 1
Jul 22

Using synthetic marijuana to beat a drug test is a game of Russian Roulette

A recent article in the Houston Chronicle identifies Houston as having a “key role” in the popularity of a new, dangerous and readily available ...
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Jul 22
Jul 16

Should you use continuous monitoring for your drivers?

In Houston, few companies can offer continuous driver monitoring; however, this monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly service can protect your company ...
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Jul 16
Jul 11

What are the benefits of vacations for employers?

Vacation—a tricky subject, especially with business owners. Many business owners, executives, and managers avoid taking vacations because they are ...
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Jul 11
Jul 11

Legalized Pot vs. Your Houston Drug Testing Program

You may have heard about the Gallup poll released last week showing for the first time since 1969, a majority of Americans favors legalizing ...
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Jul 11
Jul 11

Cannabis testing in the U.S. and why it matters for your business

As a business owner, you have a drug-free workplace policy. Your employees know it, and the vast majority of them are working to comply with your ...
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Jul 11
Jul 3

What's the difference between driving high and driving drunk?

With the increasing legalization of marijuana in the Southwest and the summertime heat, Houston law enforcement officials continue to deal with ...
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Jul 3
Jun 27

8 Ways Fleet Drivers Can Stay Alert

Fleet drivers are challenged with many obstacles in remaining awake and alert while on the job. Although there are many safety precautions ...
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Jun 27
Jun 20

Do I need Occupational Health Management for my Business?

The short answer, yes. Regardless of your business type, you need an occupational health management program. The specifics may change; for example, ...
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Jun 20
Jun 18

Should I use Social Media Screening when Hiring?

Hiring is still on the rise, but the pool of applicants continues to become smaller and smaller as the unemployment rate dips. As you seek to find ...
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Jun 18
May 21

Instant Clear Background Checks Create Complex Problems for Employers

Employer have been asking about instant clear background checks lately, and we wanted to take a minute to explain why this is a service Workplace ...
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May 21
May 14

3 Drug Testing Methodologies

When a company implements or reviews their Drug Free Workplace Program there is a lot to consider, one important factor is the testing method that ...
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May 14
May 14

Protecting Your Employees in the Houston Heat

It's summer in Houston, and that means heat and humidity are very real factors in many businesses in this part of Texas. At Workplace Safety ...
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May 14
May 9

Reasonable Suspicion Testing: More Relevant than Ever

In April, New York banned marijuana testing for a number of positions, and more employers are choosing to avoid marijuana testing in their hiring ...
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May 9
May 9

How to Screen Youth for Work

The standard protocol for hiring, a background check, a drug screen, and a reference check, will not necessarily work for your youngest hires. ...
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May 9
Apr 30

5 Ways to Encourage Your Employees to Seek Treatment

Developing a drug free workplace is essential for employers. However, it can be difficult to encourage employees suffering from drug or alcohol abuse ...
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Apr 30
Apr 27

5 Signs an Employee Aliment Has Turned into a Substance Abuse Problem

In today’s society, prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem within the workplace. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, ...
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Apr 27
Apr 16

The Debate on Student Drug Testing in Houston Public Schools

There has been an alarming increase in drug use among students in Houston, and around the US. The reality regarding drug use in schools and among ...
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Apr 16
Mar 29

CBD Oil: What's the truth behind this new panacea

What exactly is CBD oil, what is the legality of it, and how does the flood of CBD oil in Texas affect businesses?
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Mar 29
Mar 26

What is the role of an MRO?

The MRO is a key person in the drug testing process. He or she ensures that the drug tests are administered properly, that the correct drug panel was ...
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Mar 26
Mar 21

What is a non-contact positive?

What is a non-contact positive? You may have seen this result on a recent drug test and had questions. It sounds a bit cryptic, but it’s actually ...
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Mar 21
Feb 26

The ROI of Occupational Health Management

What do you offer as perks for your employees that create a better quality of life?
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Feb 26
Feb 21

Drug testing required for unemployment benefits in Texas

In 2017, SB 21 amended Texas State employment laws to “require mandatory drug screening as a condition for the receipt of unemployment compensation ...
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Feb 21
Feb 14

Why post-accident drug testing matters most

Now that your company has determined the need for a drug and alcohol policy, it is important to assess key components impacting the effectiveness of ...
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Feb 14
Feb 7

5 Costly Misconceptions of a Drug-Free Workplace

Drug and alcohol abuse has devastating effects on families across the U.S. As seen in the current opioid epidemic sweeping the country, many ...
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Feb 7
Jan 10

OSHA’s post-accident policy change and what it means for businesses

OSHA has recently clarified their post-accident policy. According to The National Law Review, “The new guidance clarifies that safety incentive ...
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Jan 10
Dec 12

Is Your Company Holiday Party Like an Episode of "The Office?"

In a classic episode of NBC's hit TV series, "The Office," Steve Carrell's character, Michael Scott, the boss at the fictional Scranton branch of ...
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Dec 12
Dec 4

Get a “Plan B” for Your Houston Holiday Parties to Avoid a DUI

You pretty much just have to turn on the TV or look at your computer to see a story about a celebrity overindulging in drinking or using drugs--even ...
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Dec 4
Nov 15

Marijuana Legalization: How does it affect your workplace

You, as the employer, have the right to hire whom you choose in each position. However, state and federal law are making these decisions increasingly ...
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Nov 15
Oct 31

3 Ways Pre-Employment Drug Testing Reduces Employee Turnover

In 2011, for the first time, drug overdose deaths in the US exceeded the number of motor vehicle fatalities, showing that drug abuse is becoming more ...
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Oct 31
Oct 4

Flu season is beginning. Is your business ready?

2018 was a deadly flu season in Texas. Last year, more than 6,000 people died from pneumonia and influenza between Oct. 1 and March 16 according to ...
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Oct 4
Sep 21

The greatest ROI in drug testing is on-site

Let's get right down to business. The goal of Workplace Safety Screenings is to increasing safety and productivity, lowering liability. The best way ...
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Sep 21
Sep 11

Notes from the CEO: Hire securely this holiday season

School is back in session, and many employers are looking to their holiday hiring plans. Holiday hiring is always difficult, but never more so than ...
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Sep 11
Aug 22

How to Know if Your Background Check Vendor is Putting Your Company at Risk

Background checks are an essential part of any business’ hiring process, helping to assure workplace safety and reduce potential liability. ...
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Aug 22
Aug 20

Have you adapted your HR policies to accommodate the 2018 trends?

2018 has been a challenging year for Human Resources employees and business owners. Two of the top issues, cannibis and employee well-being, are also ...
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Aug 20
Aug 8

Occupational Medicine saves $500 per employee annually

Your employees are your business. How do you, as their employer, help them perform their best every day? By implementing a occupational medicine ...
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Aug 8
Aug 1

Watch for Signs of Heat Distress

It's summer in Houston, and that means heat and humidity are very real factors in many businesses in this part of Texas. At Workplace Safety ...
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Aug 1
Jun 22

How to Avoid Sprains and Strains in the Workplace

Some of the most common kinds of workplace injuries are sprains and muscle strains sustained on the job. These injuries aren’t life-threatening, ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

Drug Testing Myths Busted!

When it comes to drug testing, it sometimes seems as if there is more misinformation floating around online than legitimate facts. There are plenty ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

What Does ‘QNS’ Mean, and How Can it be Avoided?

The most disappointing result for any drug test is QNS: Quantity Not Sufficient. A test that results in QNS is essentially inconclusive, wasting the ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

How Long Does a Background Check Take?

How long a background check will take is one of the most common questions that we’re asked at WSS. It’s also one of the most difficult to answer, ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

Is Drug Testing an Invasion of Privacy?

Drug and alcohol abuse carries with it significant risk for businesses in Texas. Abuse costs millions of dollars each year in lost productivity, ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

Workplace Marijuana Testing in the Post-Legalization Era: What Employers Need to Know

Marijuana has been legalized in a number of states, both for medicinal and adult use. However, the drug remains illegal in Texas and a majority of ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

OSHA’s Anti-Retaliation Provision Goes into Effect

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) final rule changing the way it collects, and employers report, workplace injury and ...
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Jun 22
Jun 22

Workforce Drug Use Hits 10-Year High

The percentage of U.S. workers who tested positive for using drugs hit a 10-year high in 2015, according to a recent study conducted by diagnostic ...
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Jun 22
Feb 7

5 COSTLY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Drug and alcohol abuse has devastating effects on families across the U.S. As seen in the current opioid epidemic sweeping the country, many ...
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Feb 7
Feb 7

Oral Fluid Fact Sheet

For the past two decades, oral-fluid drug testing has expanded into a wide range of drug-testing programs in both the employer and criminal-justice ...
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Feb 7
Feb 7

Oral Fluid Testing Myths Get Busted

There’s plenty of misinformation regarding the science of drug testing floating around the Internet. Workplace Safety Screenings has used oral fluid ...
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Feb 7
Jan 18

DOT Proposes Adding Opioids to FAA Drug-Testing Requirements

Workplace Safety Screenings advises all of our clients (and future clients!) that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is proposing to amend ...
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Jan 18
Jan 18

What Houston-Area Employers Need to Know About “Ban the Box” Laws

Have you heard of the Ban-the-Box movement? It’s an initiative that swept through the U.S. in 2015 and 2016. It’s been a hot-button issue among ...
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Jan 18
Jan 18

The Facts on Kush Drug Testing in Houston

More and more employers ask Workplace Safety Screenings every day, “Do you drug-test for synthetic marijuana?” The reason why is simple—this ...
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Jan 18
Jan 18

Don’t Make These 5 Big Mistakes After an Employee Tests Positive

It’s an employer’s nightmare: A key employee’s drug test comes back positive. If your business regularly conducts drug tests, however, it’s only a ...
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Jan 18
Jan 18

How New Federal Workplace Drug Testing Guidelines Affect Your Business

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently revised the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs for urine ...
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Jan 18
Jan 18

Everything Houston Employers Need to Know about New Form I-9

The U.S. government recently released a new version of Form I-9, also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification Form. Employers are all now ...
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Jan 18
Jan 18

Workplace Safety Screenings Offers New Paperless DOT Drug Testing in Houston

Workplace Safety Screenings (WSS) now provides paperless DOT drug testing for DOT-regulated employers. Now, our drug-testing services are faster, ...
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Jan 18
Jan 17

FMCSA Establishes National Drug and Alcohol Testing Clearinghouse for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a final rule in December establishing a ...
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Jan 17
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