Question
Received this via email. Does the driver have a medical standing to save his driving job?
I have a gentleman who had a drinking problem and went to get help at a local hospital. The driver remained in the hospital for a 2 week period. He has been medically released. The job didn't send him to seek help, he did it on his own. The firm has the doctor's information, which does not include the reason the gentlemen entered the hospital, but is requiring it for him to return. He was also informed that if it was alcohol related that he would not be able to return to work even after the doctor has given him a clean bill or health. What can he do? Does he have any resource?
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Answer
Is for this driver and his treatment to be evaluated by an SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) who is familiar with the demands and responsibilities of a CMV driver.
If the SAP is satified with the treatment that has been done, a "safe to Return to Work" statement should be isssued to the driver with a copy to the carrier. If not......
The SAP will make recommendations for further treatment (or not) and any sort of further testing under a contractual basis (possibly) between the driver and carrier.
But I am going to be honest with you here....2 weeks of treatment for alcoholism (or any other addiction) ain't squat!!! This driver is going to need a lot more ongoing therapy as in AA meetings and the like. Very difficult to do if this is an OTR driver.
Should the driver be evaluated by the SAP, deemed OK to return to driving, etc. and the company still doesn't hire him back, he may want to contact someone knowledgeable about the American's with Disabilities Act to force the issue.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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