Drug Free Workplace Policy

Spokane Transit Authority employees, during the course of providing public transportation service, interact on a daily basis with the public. In order to safely perform one’s job, Spokane Transit Authority employees must be able to work in an alcohol-free and drug-free environment and the employees themselves must be free from the effects of alcohol, drugs, and other job impairing substances. Accordingly, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. This also includes an employee’s use, sale, or possession of an intoxicating liquor, drugs not medically authorized, or any other substance which impairs the job performance or poses a hazard to the safety and welfare of the employee, the public, or other employees, and violation will result in termination.

Any employee who refuses to take a test to determine presence of prohibited substances or any employee who fails a substance test, or attempts to falsify test results through tampering, adulteration, dilution, substitution, or failure to provide a specimen, will be removed from duty immediately and be subject to termination.

Conformance with this Policy will be considered a condition of employment, and it will be the duty of each employee to notify STA in writing of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction.

Recognizing the seriousness of the Policy, Spokane Transit Authority maintains an Employee Assistance Program which provides access to professional services in an effort to aid an employee who has a drinking or chemical dependency problem. The Employee Assistance Program is voluntary and confidential. Employees are encouraged by Spokane Transit Authority to utilize the program’s resources before the problem affects their performance and employment status.

This policy shall apply to all Spokane Transit Authority employees. Portions of this policy that are only applicable to DOT covered positions will be indicated as such during the Drug and Alcohol Training.