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Showing posts from April, 2009

Maintaining a Healthy Workplace During Outbreaks of Influenza

With any illness or flu, especially with the recent appearance of Swine Flu in the United States, employers should be open to the fact that their employees might become ill. What employers need to take into consideration are the concepts of "Absenteeism" and "Presenteeism." Absenteeism is when an employee doest not report to work usually due to an illness and their individual production grinds to a halt. "Presenteeism" occurs when an employee shows up for work sick and tries to function normally. Presenteeism usually results in lower individual worker output due to a tired and sick employee. Presenteeism also spreads germs to other employees resulting in sort of a chain reaction of workplace illness. Newly infected employees will contribute to the Abesenteeism and Presenteeism dynamic. The Center of Disease Control offers informative fact sheets about how to maintain a healthy workplace as well as updated information on the current Swine Flu .

Pending Tennessee Drug Testing Bills For Students Need Further Debate

The Tennessee General Assembly is mulling over two random drug testing bills that would target school students who would participate in after school activities. There are two arguments for and against these two testing bills. The prevailing argument for implementing random drug testing of school students is to ensure the overall safety of the student body and school staff. If a solid random drug testing program is conducted properly, random drug testing can do just that, protect all parties involved. The random drug testing program can also serve as a deterrent for substance abuse. The big argument against the drug testing bills is that the proposed legislation does not go far enough to protect the student’s privacy. If a student is suspended from an activity, the student might have to deal with the negative stigma of being labeled a drug user even if that was not the case. If the State of Tennessee is to move forward on these bills, the politicians need to have a lengthy debate and t

Penn State Football Star Fails Drug Test

All Big Ten Conference linebacker Navorro Bowman tested positive in a recent random substance abuse test conducted by the university. A Centre County, PA Magistrate issued Bowman an additional year of probation for his marijuana violation. If Bowman violates his probation he could face up to six months in jail. Coach Joe Paterno stated, "Sometime we tested him and he was positive, and we were aware of that." Paterno concluded. "I don't want to overreact, he's been a pretty good kid. But, on the other hand, he's got to solve his problem, and we'll see how we work it out next week." Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is an industry leader in the field of random drug testing and offers affordable and compliant drug testing campaigns that follow both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Non-Federal testing guidelines. Call or email MMC today for a free random drug testing program review! (888) 662-8358

British and Japanese Implement Drug Testing For Major National Sporting Venues

Britain Golfers who wish to swing their clubs in this year's British Open will need to undergo substance abuse testing . Drug testing will be implemented for the first time ever in the event's regal history. Golfers will be tested based on the European Tour's anti-doping procedures. Testing is nothing new to the Tours golfers as they are tested for performance enhancing drugs as well as other illegal substances at other major events. The British Open will be held July 16 - 19 of this year. Japan The Japan Sumo Association recently implemented random drug tests for all of its members as drug related incidents have been on the rise lately. Mitsubishi Chemical Medience Corp., Japan's only institution certified by world anti-doping agency (WADA) is in charge of all drug testing . Recent substance abuse violations include the arrest of wrestler Wakakirin for suspicion of possessing marijuana. Wakakirin became the first Japanese wrestler to be arrested in a marijua

Race for NHL's Stanley Cup Sidesteps All Drug Testing

The National Hockey League (NHL) prohibits substance abuse testing during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The lack of testing could open a window for the possible use of illegal performance enhancing drugs by players. The NHL also does not allow players to be tested during the off season. Taking into consideration that the drug-testing policies of Major League Baseball (MLB), The National Football League (NFL) and the Olympics use year round random testing - The NHL policy could be viewed as extremely weak. The reasoning behind the NHL's collectively bargained agreement to prohibit testing in the playoffs and off-season is that random drug testing is seen as a potential distraction by the players and their union. An exception to the rule includes players who are competing in international play during the off-season; they are subject to random drug testing. The NHL's Deputy Commissioner, Bill Daly, said "The league would be supportive of enhancing the scope of the policy."

Illegal Drugs Entering U.S. Due to Fear of Long Inspection Lines at Mexican Border

ABC News has recently reported that most of the illegal drugs that enter the U.S. are transported by commercial trucks that cruise right through border checkpoints without being inspected. The number of trucks that pass into the U.S. each year has steadily increased since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented in 1993. According to the report, close to 3 million containers crossed the border last year. Juan Zarate, former Deputy National Security Director believes that if the U.S. tried to inspect all trucks heading across the border "It would have a hugely negative impact in terms of commercial traffic and trade between the United States and Mexico," and "You would see lines like you wouldn't believe." Currently, only about 5% of all trucks crossing the border are inspected.

Global Drug Testing - Australia Trucking Firm Takes Lead and Introduces Random Workplace Substance Abuse Screening

Border Express, an Australian transportation company has taken workplace safety to the next level. According to the Border Mail , Border Express will be the first company in the Victoria region to introduce random drug testing . All levels of the Albury trucking company will be tested from office and IT staff to truck drivers, forklift operators and warehouse workers. Border Express will host a company education and instruction session in the early summer and then begin random saliva testing shortly after. Company Directory, Geoff Luff is hoping that the testing program will increase his firm’s workplace safety record as well as ignite a spark in other companies in the Melbourne region to do the same. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) applauds the efforts of Border Express for focusing on workplace safety through substance abuse testing. MMC is an expert in the field of random drug testing and offers affordable and compliant drug testing campaigns that follow both the Department of Tr

Mobile Medical Corporation and National Ironworkers Celebrate Four Years of Successful Substance Abuse Testing

The Ironworker-Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust ( IMPACT ) has recently completed its fourth year of successful substance abuse testing. The goal of IMPACT's testing program is to provide an employable pool of drug free union ironworkers. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is excited to be the National Third Party Administrator of the program which eliminates repetitive testing and saves time and money as well as provides a safe workplace for all parties involved. MMC provides a 24 hour online verification solution that allows authorized users to verify union member’s qualifications which allows for easier job placement of drug free workers. Last year users of the online system easily verified 120,000 union members! Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) has scalable services to fit any testing need - from large construction projects to small random employee drug testing pools - MMC has you covered. On a day to day basis MMC works closely with contractors, labor unions and

West Virginia Mandates Drug Testing For State Construction Jobs

The State of West Virginia recently passed a workplace substance abuse testing bill. The bill requires contractors who are looking to land state construction jobs to drug test and certify that their employees are drug free. Contractors bidding on Projects valued at $100,000 or less are exempted. To read more about the bill click here . Pittsburgh, PA based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is an industry leader in providing customized workplace drug testing and credential tracking solutions. Contact MMC today and schedule an in-depth review of your current drug free workplace protocols. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Providing Premier On-Site Industrial Medical Services Nationwide (888) 662-8358

Pennsylvania State Police Nab Over 16,000 For Drunk Driving in 2008

The PA State Police recently issued a press release that announced the arrest of 16,156 people for driving under the influence (DUI) last year. The number of 2008 arrests was 3% higher than 2007. Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski stated that "the number of alcohol-related crashes investigated by state police dropped 3 percent last year to 4,665, while the number of fatalities resulting from those crashes dropped 9 percent from 165 to 150." The PA State police credit Operation Nighthawk for their successful DUI campaign. The Operation provides troopers and municipal police with focused class room training resulting in immediate on the job patrols to identify and arrest operators who are operating under the influence. The PA State Police conducted two Operation Nighthawk sessions in 2008 and will do two or three in 2009. The Office of National Drug Control Policy claims that drugs and alcohol cost taxpayers more than $300 billion annually in preventable health care costs, extr

Pittsburgh Based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Helping A Slow Economy Get Back to Work!

With the economy slowly crawling along, the last thing an employer needs is for their production to take a further hit due to worker absenteeism caused by workplace injuries. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) has the solution to diminish worker absence, minimize workplace operational disturbances and eliminate unwanted administrative tasks. MMC's on-site industrial medical services and first-aid stations allow our clients to maximize their company's health and safety standards while reducing compensation costs. Through timely and proper treatment, MMC can get your people back to work quickly! MMC is the standard bearer when it comes to On-Site Industrial Medical Services, Substance Abuse Testing and First Aid and Nursing Services ! Contact MMC today for a free consultation and to see how our On-Site Medical Facilities can make your job site safer. Call Today! 888-662-8358

Missouri Leans Towards Drug Testing For Temporary Assistance

Missouri has recently jumped on the bandwagon and joined several other U.S. States in the move to implement drug testing for unemployment, public assistance and welfare. Missouri's bill would allow the Department of Social Services to drug test work-eligible welfare recipients on a reasonable cause basis. The bill will now head to the Missouri Senate for debate. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is an industry leader in the field of substance abuse testing and has continually reported on the trend to introduce drug testing for public assistance and unemployment compensation. Please check back often and click here for recent information on this topic. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Providing On-Site Industrial Medical Services Nationwide (888) 662-8358. Contact Us!

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month!

Although National Alcohol Awareness Month is only celebrated once a year, MMC believes that job sites should work alcohol-free year round! MMC believes that educating employees about the general dangers of alcohol abuse are great initial steps in the establishment of a smart alcohol-free workplace safety strategy. A good safety plan can help to protect against the devastating consequences of alcohol impaired employees on the job site. MMC offers a variety of alcohol and drug free workplace testing solutions that can be customized to meet any company’s budget and size. Contact MMC today! MMC shares The U.S. Department of Labor's belief that "employers have the power to play an important role in reducing alcohol abuse and alcoholism in their communities." Click here for government approved materials that can help your workplace celebrate National Alcohol Awareness Month 2009!

New York City Provides A Case For Implementing A Drug Free Workplace Policy

A shocking decision by a New York Judge to keep a drug troubled pre-school director on the streets has raised emotions in Brooklyn, NY. According to the The NY Daily News, Mr. Andy Lewis was shown leniency this week as he was awarded bail and kept out of jail after passing his recent drug test... the kicker is that he tested positive for cocaine in 8 out of his last 9 drug screens ! And to inflame the situation even more, Mr. Lewis is facing charges of theft as he was accused of stealing $500,000 in government aid that was suppose to go towards the purchase of free meals for children who couldn't afford to bring their own. Mr. Lewis will be forced into a residential drug rehab center if he tests positive on any of his weekly tests going forward. Whether it is a school, corporate office building or construction site, a drug free workplace policy and some sort of credential checking should be enacted in order to protect all parties involved. Pittsburgh, PA based Mobile Medical C

Drug Testing For Public Assistance Trend Hits South Carolina

A major payroll service recently reported that U.S. companies have eliminated almost 750,000 jobs in the month of March. As the roster of unemployment continues to swell, public assistance compensation funds around the country are being financially choked and lawmakers are looking to find ways to save tax dollars to feed these funds. A recent trend by eight states to drug test individuals who apply for unemployment compensation and public assistance has reached South Carolina. South Carolina Representative Rex Rice would like to make his state number nine. Mr. Rice recently touted SC House Bill 3829 which would mandate random drug testing for public assistance and removing repeat offenders from South Carolina's assistance eligibility roster. Mr. Rice explained that "This legislation protects our tax dollars from fueling drug addictions and ensures our tax dollars do not aid or abet illegal behavior." Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is an industry leader in the field o

Mobile Medical Corporation, Bringing Workers and Employers Together With SkillCheck™

SkillCheck ™ is Mobile Medical Corporation's state-of-the-art web based solution that tracks and verifies a worker’s skill-sets, credentials, substance abuse tests , occupational healthcare exams , certifications, trainings and much more. SkillCheck utilizes a secure, passcode protected login system that permits approved users to verify employee credentials twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. SkillCheck is easy to use- A computer and Internet access is all you need! MMC's SkillCheck eliminates repetitive testing and provides a measurable cost savings. Smart, in-depth training for all new users during each new programs start up period! Customizable interface for your company's website based on compatible technology Robust reporting for focused job site placement Contact Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) today to see how you can enhance your company's "Drug Free" workplace initiative with SkillCheck ! Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Providing On-Si