Canadian Model Version 2 - October 1, 2010
Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace - Alcohol and Drug Guidelines and Work Rule
a best practice of the Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA)
The COAA Canadian Model closely follows the standards specified by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for alcohol and drug testing standards and procedures.
On October 1, 2010 the US DOT implemented a revised urine drug testing panel. The new drug panel will include lower cut-off limits for amphetamines and cocaine.
The COAA Canadian Model Best Practice Review Committee reviewed the 2005 version of the Canadian Model, and recommended several important changes to follow the DOT revisions. These changes were approved by the COAA Board on 8 September, 2010 and issued an Addendum to the 2005 version of the Model, effective 1 October, 2010.
Key changes in the 2010 Addendum include;
- Section 3.1 - Updated urine drug panel and concentrations
- Section 3.1 - Included an oral fluid drug panel and concentrations as currently recommended by the DOT and currently in use with the Rapid Site Access program (RSAP)
- Section 6.1 - Definition of Laboratory broadened to allow for oral fluid testing by a laboratory that adheres to sound forensic procedural practices and which includes quality controls and audits.
- Appendix A - Alcohol and Drug testing procedures - Included an updated procedure for collection of oral fluids samples
Version 2 of the Canadian Model updates and replaces the corresponding sections of the October 2005 Canadian Model. Revisions to drug concentration cut-off limits take effect from October 1, 2010.
Questions and comments should be forwarded to coaa.admin@coaa.ab.ca
The COAA Model and the Addendum represent a collaborative approach to the development and implementation of a standardized Alcohol and Drug Policy for construction industry stakeholders. COAA assumes no liability associated with the implementation or application of this model policy and guidelines. As always, employers should seek independent legal advice with respect the application to their individual alcohol and drug policies.