Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Moncton, N.B. — Thanks to the Liberal government, the legalization of marijuana is coming whether Canadians like it or not.
Speaking to attendees of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association's transportation summit this week about what the legalization of pot means to trucking was Barbara Butler, president of Barbara Butler and Associates, a firm that specializes in workplace drug and alcohol policies.
Butler outlined to fleet executives in the room what they need to do now about the pending legalization of marijuana throughout Canada that she said could be announced as early as Spring 2017.
Her main message to fleets, was for those who don't have a policy in place for how to address and deal with employees who use medical marijuana or plan on using marijuana recreationally, need to get one and fast.
"Once you find out your driver is using marijuana...you're going to have to make a decision," she said. "Can you let this person work for you? Can you relocate them in the company? You need to decide because they certainly can't keep driving trucks, that's for sure."
Butler said that when creating a policy, ensure it is as clear as possible for employers and make sure your employers know his/her expectations.
"Make sure you have a clear policy in place," she said. "And make sure you're very clear about your expectations...because employees should be expected, not encouraged, to consult with their doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of any medication."
She said putting the onus on the driver to consult their doctor about all medication is important when developing a policy because often, doctors will authorize the use of medical marijuana without knowing his/her patient works in a safety sensitive environment.
Butler also advised that once a policy is put in place at your company, to hire or assign a program administrator, who is the liaison between the company and the medical center for test results. The administrator is the primary source for the company to answer questions regarding the policy, maintaining all records and ensuring proper communication with all employees, explained Butler.
"You want to communicate and keep a record of communication," she said.
And if you're one of the fleets in Canada who already has a plan in place, Butler said to make sure you are dealing with every case consistently, and are reviewing your policy on a regular basis to keep up with legislation.
Of course, having a policy in place is to ensure that your fleet is operating as safely as possible, but also is vital to avoiding a human rights complaint. Butler explained that employers have a duty to accommodate a medical condition (until undue hardship), but not necessarily their choice in drug. So having a policy in place outlines what your fleet will do in the event that an employee fails a drug test or admits to using marijuana.
"Impaired driving concerns are just one part of the broader complexities of legalization...," Butler said adding that at the end of the day, "for an employer not to have a policy in place means they are not being diligent."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Why Your Fleet Needs A Marijuana Policy
Author: Sonia Straface
Contact: 416-510-6881
Photo Credit: Nicholas Belton
Website: Truck News
Speaking to attendees of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association's transportation summit this week about what the legalization of pot means to trucking was Barbara Butler, president of Barbara Butler and Associates, a firm that specializes in workplace drug and alcohol policies.
Butler outlined to fleet executives in the room what they need to do now about the pending legalization of marijuana throughout Canada that she said could be announced as early as Spring 2017.
Her main message to fleets, was for those who don't have a policy in place for how to address and deal with employees who use medical marijuana or plan on using marijuana recreationally, need to get one and fast.
"Once you find out your driver is using marijuana...you're going to have to make a decision," she said. "Can you let this person work for you? Can you relocate them in the company? You need to decide because they certainly can't keep driving trucks, that's for sure."
Butler said that when creating a policy, ensure it is as clear as possible for employers and make sure your employers know his/her expectations.
"Make sure you have a clear policy in place," she said. "And make sure you're very clear about your expectations...because employees should be expected, not encouraged, to consult with their doctor or pharmacist regarding the side effects of any medication."
She said putting the onus on the driver to consult their doctor about all medication is important when developing a policy because often, doctors will authorize the use of medical marijuana without knowing his/her patient works in a safety sensitive environment.
Butler also advised that once a policy is put in place at your company, to hire or assign a program administrator, who is the liaison between the company and the medical center for test results. The administrator is the primary source for the company to answer questions regarding the policy, maintaining all records and ensuring proper communication with all employees, explained Butler.
"You want to communicate and keep a record of communication," she said.
And if you're one of the fleets in Canada who already has a plan in place, Butler said to make sure you are dealing with every case consistently, and are reviewing your policy on a regular basis to keep up with legislation.
Of course, having a policy in place is to ensure that your fleet is operating as safely as possible, but also is vital to avoiding a human rights complaint. Butler explained that employers have a duty to accommodate a medical condition (until undue hardship), but not necessarily their choice in drug. So having a policy in place outlines what your fleet will do in the event that an employee fails a drug test or admits to using marijuana.
"Impaired driving concerns are just one part of the broader complexities of legalization...," Butler said adding that at the end of the day, "for an employer not to have a policy in place means they are not being diligent."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Why Your Fleet Needs A Marijuana Policy
Author: Sonia Straface
Contact: 416-510-6881
Photo Credit: Nicholas Belton
Website: Truck News
