From the CEO
I’ve just returned from St. Louis, Missouri, after attending the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association annual conference. It’s the first conference I’ve attended since the start of the pandemic. I was pleased to be able to bring several members of the TSS team with me because I’ve learned over the years that my business always benefits from what I pick up at an NDASA conference.
The hotel had pandemic precautions in place and Conference Chair, Cathleen Drew, made certain that all protocols were followed. They did a good job, in my opinion. Now we wait. Time will tell how many people that should have had a mask, didn’t. Time will tell how many folks were not vaccinated. Time will tell if the hand sanitizers were enough. With the vaccination numbers rising daily, I tend to think that we are probably clearing the virus worries. At least, I hope so.
|
Now, about the conference: WOW. If you were going to attend any conference this year, this was the one. The keynote speaker, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. President/CEO of the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), was simply on point. His discussion about how we return to work post COVID, how employers can support a mix of home-based and in-office workers, and what workplaces need to do to integrate folks coming out of incarceration, was the best I have heard in years. Down to earth, real conversations are what we need to move America forward.
|
The folks in attendance, either virtually or in-person, also heard from Department of Transportation representatives. While they are not yet allowed to travel, their electronic presence was excellent, and attendees received great information regarding all modes and how those in the drug and alcohol testing industry can help transportation companies move past the pandemic.
The most telling information released at the conference, in my opinion, was the Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index, presented by Dr. Barry Sample, (yes, that’s his real name) Quest’s senior director of Science & Technology and Ashlyn Hazard, client analytics manager. The DTI provides solid data concerning positivity rates for various drugs of abuse in the U.S. You can see the complete report here.
Alex Berenson, author of Tell Your Children: The Truth about Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence, was another extremely informative speaker. This award-winning author and journalist presented his research concerning the direct link between marijuana and the potential for induced psychosis after use.
|
We also heard from Dr. Kevin Sabet, of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). Dr. Sabet is revered as the leading authority on marijuana—a man who has served as a White House advisor on drugs to three different Administrations and who NBC News once called “the prodigy of drug politics.” His book, Smoke Screen, is a remarkable and shocking exposé about how 21st-century pot, today’s new and highly potent form of the drug, is being aggressively marketed and sold across America by an industry intent on putting rising profits over public health.
|
If you missed this conference, please plan on joining us May 3-5, 2022, in Indianapolis. Who should come? Business owners, drug screening professionals, HR professionals, corporate managers, counselors … there is something for everyone who works in any area that is subject to drug screening or is concerned about keeping their workplace drug-free and safe. As a founding member of NDASA, I’m proud to say that the association works hard to ensure that the conference brings value. And this one hit the mark.
Best regards,
Renee Schofield
|
Psychological Safety at Work |
June is National Safety Month. It’s a good time to remind ourselves that there are different types of safety and that we should all feel safe at work.
At TSS we are specialists in what you might consider the physical aspects of safety. Most of the time, we help businesses with policies, processes, resources and education to avoid workplace accidents, injuries or death. Of course, this includes supporting drug and alcohol policies that prevent employees who are under the influence from putting workplace safety at risk.
But there are other workplace safety issues that we consider equally as important. Employees must feel psychologically safe to be who they are at work, no matter their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age or ability. They should not fear aggression, humiliation, abuse, bullying, rejection or discriminatory behaviors from their co-workers or supervisors.
This is psychological safety. According to a study conducted by Google, psychological safety is the single most important determinant of team success. When employees don’t feel safe in this way, they cannot reach their full potential as contributing members of a team. Increased absences from work, decreased productivity, low morale, lack of good communication, loss of focus may all be symptoms of someone not feeling psychologically safe at work. Not only do these symptoms impact physical safety (distracted or upset workers are more likely to be involved in accidents), but they also affect the bottom line, especially when multiple workers feel the same way.
|
Protect Yourself from Lyme Disease |
June is National Camping Month in the United States. As you plan your getaway, keep in mind that a camping trip to a wooded area may very well involve encountering some ticks, putting you at risk for exposure to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, or Borrelia burgdorferi. More than 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed in the US each year with some patients going on to suffer debilitating, long-term health effects.
In its initial stages, Lyme disease may cause a rash, often in a bulls-eye pattern. Other symptoms depend on how long the disease has been present in the body. Infected individuals may experience anything from flu-like symptoms including fever, aches and pains to more serious neurological issues and heart problems.
Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are not consistent, and may mimic other illnesses. In the early stages, it is typically treated successfully with antibiotics.
The best defense against Lyme disease is being prepared and aware before and after you go out in nature.
|
No matter your age, camping offers a great opportunity to unplug and kick back with nature as you build wonderful memories with family and friends. If you are already planning your overnight adventure outdoors, you don’t have to be a wilderness expert to enjoy it without worry. However, it is important to plan ahead, use some common sense, and be alert so that your trip stays safe.
Here are some recommendations for avoiding potential hazards.
BE PREPARED
Before you leave:
- Check the weather forecast
- Pack an emergency supply kit that includes: a first-aid kit, compass or GPS, map, flashlight, blankets, batteries, and medications.
- Let friends or family know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Check your gear. Make sure that your tent, cooking equipment, flashlights, etc. are in working order.
- Pack clothes and bedding that are appropriate for the weather. Be prepared for changes in conditions and temperature.
- Carefully consider your food and water supplies. Do you have enough? Are there places nearby where you can stock-up if necessary?
THOUGHTFULLY CHOOSE YOUR CAMPSITE
Backcountry camping, far off the beaten path, is not for everyone. Consider the following as you plan your trip:
|
|
TSS TRAINING
Webinar, online, blended
|
These include DOT and OSHA-related safety trainings as well as courses about home safety or those geared to keeping you secure behind the wheel.
|
All webinars are
10 a.m. AK Time
1 p.m. CS Time
FMCSA Clearinghouse Q & A
Are you in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse? Registering for the Clearinghouse is a regulatory requirement of all employers of CDL drivers. You are responsible for conducting annual queries on all your drivers and driver's you plan to hire. If you need assistance with registering, or you're signed-up but uncertain about how to navigate the database, or you need some clarification, the TSS team is here to help! Bring your questions and we'll answer them so you don't have to worry about compliance.
or
|
View our featured online courses on TSS's revamped website homepage. Make sure to keep checking back for new content!
|
Blended Learning First Aid & CPR
|
COST: $85
2-Year Certification
During COVID-19 , TSS will not be offering standard CPR & First Aid courses. Instead, consider taking our Blended Learning course.
- Take the classroom portion of the course online.
- Then, schedule a hands-on evaluation at your convenience.
Same skills. Same certification. In the safest way.
|
Schedule Your Drug
Screen at
(877) 225-1431
or
|
|
