Communication to Clients: We would like to provide you with an update given the COVID-19 situation that has developed over the past several weeks as it related to services provided by Figment Group INC. We have taken several steps focused on the health and...
Register with the Clearinghouse Employers (and their service agents) should log on to the FMCSA Clearinghouse to register with the Clearinghouse and become familiar with the site. See: https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/. Clearinghouse registration is valid for five years, unless cancelled or revoked. Revise Drug and Alcohol...
As an employer, you must provide to each employee (including an applicant or new employee) who violates a DOT drug and alcohol regulation a listing of SAPs (Substance Abuse Professionals) readily available to the employee and acceptable to you, with names, addresses, and telephone...
There has been and increase of combining Methamphetamine with Heroin sweeping the nation. The chase for this “synergistic high” is putting rehabilitation admissions on the rise. Learn more at: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/06/17/730803759/meth-in-the-morning-heroin-at-night-inside-the-seesaw-struggle-of-dual-addiction
DOT regulation 391.51 states that a complete Driver Qualification File for a driver should be kept for 3 years after the date of termination.
On Friday March 15th, 2019, Figment Group will be holding two (2) trainings at our La Porte, IN office. To register for either of the trainings below, please call 219-326-8880. 9am to 12pm CDT – DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training This course is designed...
DOT Regulations require Urine Collectors and Breath Alcohol Technicians or Screening Test Technicians performing DOT Tests to be retrained every 5 years on the required Qualification Training & Proficiency Demonstration. Are you up to date or is your training certificates expired?
With December just around the corner, the end of 2018 is fast approaching. If your company completes randoms on a monthly or quarterly basis, its a good rule of thumb to send the employees in before Christmas. This way it gives the specimen plenty...
If you ever have trouble getting your Breath Alcohol Machine to produce a negative air blank prior to a test, it may be something as simple as hand sanitizer. Other external items that may cause a Breath Alcohol Machine not to produce a negative...
If an employee tests positive on a DOT Drug Test per DOT Regulations they must be removed from their safety sensitive position, referred to a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and must completed the Return-to-Duty process before being able to return to work. The employee...
Did you know that the dry gas cylinders you use on your breath alcohol machine to preform your yearly calibrations and monthly cal checks can expire? If yours is expired and you need to order another cylinder for your LifeLoc Breath Alcohol Machine, click...
Next week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week to honor the truck drivers that get us the items we need each and every day.
According to NHTSA (The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), they will be joining forces with law enforcement nationwide for the 2018 Labor Day Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign from August 17 through September 3, 2018. The Drive...
Because of the great feedback received from multiple attendees, Figment Group is making it even easier to participate in any of our professional development courses. The Classroom Training is always a top choice as they provide the participant an opportunity to readily ask important...
According to FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), they always investigate these 12 violations during a carrier investigation and the list can change at any time. Any driver violations identified and addressed during carrier investigations that are not corrected may result in a driver...
The Driving Record, also known as Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), is a document that is required to be in a Driver Qualification File per DOT Regulations 49 CFR 391.23(a)(1) & (b). The MVR must be requested within 30 days of hire from the state...
According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), Operation Safe Driver Week will take place next week July 15-21, 2018. Law Enforcement will be on the lookout for unsafe driving behaviors by commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and passenger vehicle drivers to keep our...
One study, published in the Journal of Safety Research, found that over a 10-year period, distracted walking was responsible for more than 10,000 serious injuries.
According to the National Institutes of Health, you should get seven to nine hours of sleep each day and consider asking your doctor about sleep disorders if you are having trouble sleeping.
According to Yoursightmatters.com, excessive drinking can have a negative effect on your eyes. Muscle weakness Neurological disruptions Unsightly appearance Sharp pain To read more on the negative effects, go to http://yoursightmatters.com/alcohol-and-your-eyesight-4-ways-excessive-drinking-can-affect-your-vision/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=email_this&utm_source=email.
According to Traffic Safety Marketing, the best way to save your life in a crash, is to wear your seat belt. Also, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that will pass on to impressionable youth, who in turn will think it’s safe...
National Prevention Week is an annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. The theme for SAMHSA’s 2018 National Prevention Week is “Action Today. Healthier Tomorrow.” To learn more about the Dear Future Me...
For resources on how to talk to your kids about underage drinking, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/parent-resources.
According to Mental Health America, so much of what we do physically impacts us mentally. Paying attention to both your physical health and your mental health can help you achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to recovery. We need to educate...
Per Lifeloc, periodic calibration is required with any precision instrument to ensure instrument accuracy. Calibration adjusts the internal settings of a breath alcohol tester to a predetermined and known standard. It is important that calibration instructions are followed precisely. Every time a calibration is...
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), each April since 1987 they have sponsored Alcohol Awareness Month to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. The theme for...
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) will be held April 9th – 13th to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones. To learn more, visit https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_awareness.htm.
The Department of Transportation requires a Urine Collector and/or Breath Alcohol Technician to be certificated every 5 years. This is to make sure they are performing the test(s) correctly and are up-to-date on any changes in the collection/testing process. If you or your collectors/technicians...
According to BizWomen, treatment website Detox surveyed 1,121 professionals who admitted to using drugs in the work place. Due to varying legality across the U.S., Marijuana was excluded from the survey. A surprising 7 out of 10 employees have used drugs at work. The...
It all started on March 17, 2001, in a home-based business in La Porte, IN. One year later we were fortunate to open our first ‘real’ office where clients could visit and come for services. We have built long-standing and mutually beneficial relationships with...
As a Federal Motor Carrier, you should be logging in and checking your company’s Safety Score as least once a month. By doing so, you can catch any incorrect information in a timely fashion and keep your Safety Score down. Keep in mind, your...
Recognized by the U.S. SBA as a partner to entities seeking the advantages of a drug-free environment, Figment Group specializes in helping employers, employees, schools, social agencies, unions and trade associations to develop, implement, manage and measure outcomes of Drug and Alcohol-free Programs. Since...
To view class descriptions and who should attend, click on the specific class below. April 20, 2018 at 9:00am – Noon CST DOT-mandated, Supervisor Training, Signs & Symptoms of Drug Abuse & Alcohol Misuse April 20, 2018 at 9:00am – Noon CST Non-DOT DFWP,...
Per Lifeloc Technologies, after alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream it leaves the body in two ways. A total of about ten percent leaves through the breath, perspiration, and urine. The remainder is broken down through the process known as metabolism.
According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an estimated 24.0 million Americans aged 12 or older in 2016 were current users of marijuana. To read more on the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health visit https://www.samhsa.gov/samhsa-data-outcomes-quality/major-data-collections/reports-detailed-tables-2016-NSDUH.
Congratulations! Figment Group, Inc. wants to thank and acknowledge its awesome team members on their work anniversaries Y2017. Rod Hawkins – 13 years Kylie Keehn – 10 years Teri Bucher – 5 years Darla Juricic – 5 Years Jan Knapp-Krulik – 4 years Sara...
Today the Department of Transportation amended its drug panel to include opioids effective January 1, 2018. DOT’s drug testing program will now include testing for hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. The addition of hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone to the drug panel is in...
To learn more about what counties in Michigan are participating in the pilot program visit http://www.wxyz.com/news/michigan-state-police-to-begin-roadside-drug-testing-pilot-program-nov-8
According to Partnership of Drug-Free Kids, Heroin and other opioids are ravaging communities across America. Deaths from heroin increased 328% between 2010 and 2015. To learn more, visit https://drugfree.org/parent-blog/what-is-vivitrol/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=PARENT&utm_campaign=Vivitrol-More#more.
Compared to teens who have frequent family dinners (5 to 7 per week), those who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than 3 per week) are almost 4 times likelier to use tobacco; more than twice as likely to use alcohol; 2 ½ times likelier...
October 16th – October 21 is National Teen Driver Safety Week & Operation Safe Driver Week. Distracted driving is one of the fastest growing safety issues on the roads today. Distracted drivers aren’t just a threat to themselves: they’re a danger to everyone else...
We are proud to announce the 11th annual anniversary observance of NATIONAL DRUG-FREE WORK WEEK, OCTOBER 16-21, 2017. This yearly public awareness campaign highlights the importance of a drug-free workplace and encourages workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. National Drug-Free Work...
The Indiana BMV will issue a For-Hire Endorsement in place of a Public Passenger Chauffeur’s (PPC) or a Chauffeur’s License. Any Chauffeur’s License issued prior to 1/1/2017 will remain Valid until the expiration date printed on the license. Renewing, amending or replacing of these...
SAMHSA released the latest findings from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which provides the estimates on substance use and mental health in the United States, including the misuse of opioids. In 2016, there were 11.8 million people ages 12...
The body (in actual fact the liver) can metabolize only a certain amount of alcohol per hour. No matter how much or how fast alcohol is consumes, the body can only dispose of it at a rate that is generally accepted as being 1...
Effective August 8, 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have both agreed to stop the rulemaking process for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The agencies are withdrawing the March 10, 2016, advance notice of proposed rulemaking, “Evaluation of...
On Friday September 15th, 2017, Figment Group, Inc. will be having two different training classes in LaPorte, Indiana. DOT Required Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training at 9am to 11:30am Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training at 1pm to 4:30pm To read more about the two training...
According to U.S. News, the Indiana Senate has approved a bill to ban the sale of synthetic urine that can be used to fraudulently pass a drug test. Click the link below to learn more about the approved bill: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/indiana/articles/2017-04-04/indiana-senate-passes-synthetic-urine-ban-on-unanimous-vote
Lifeloc has made a couple of changes to the mouthpiece. They have made the tab to pull the mouthpiece off of the machine shorter and added a small piece on the bottom of the mouthpiece as a guard so the donor doesn’t put their...
Per FMCSA Regulation 49 CFR Part 382.603, each employer shall ensure that all persons designated to supervise drivers receive at least 60 minutes of training on alcohol misuse and receive at least an additional 60 minutes of training on controlled substances use. The training...
If you say NO to any of these, contact your Testing Site to have them correct the error (if correctable) and send you a copy of the affidavit to attach to your copy of the results. Does the top of the form say (DOT)?...
If your MRO (Medical Review Officer) does not report test results using Copy 2 of the CCF, you must receive a written report (e.g., a letter) and the Employer Copy of the CCF (Copy 3) for each test result. If the MRO Report is...
If you say NO to any of these, contact your Testing Site to have them correct the error and send you corrected results. Does the top of the form say “Federal”? Is your Company Name correct and STATED in Section A? This should NOT...
The annual 72-hour Roadcheck Inspection Blitz overseen by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) occurs June 6 through 8 this year and will focus on cargo securement. To learn more visit https://cvsa.org/news-entry/cvsas-2017-international-roadcheck-enforcement-event-take-place-june-6-8-special-emphasis-cargo-securement/
Indiana’s Click it or Ticket is May 22nd, 2017 to June 4th, 2017. In 2015, nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants who died in crashes were unrestrained. To learn more visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts#34966.
National Prevention Week is to increase the public’s awareness of substance abuse and mental health issues. Visit https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week to learn more.
With prom just around the corner, make sure you talk to your teen about underage drinking. For helpful tips on how to discuss underage drinking with your teen, visit https://www.madd.org/underage-drinking/the-power-of-parents/
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and medications. For more information or to locate a take back...
During the Week of April 30th, 2017 to May 6th, 2017, make sure to support your local small businesses by shopping at their stores or using their services.
“I’d like to send an employee in for a random drug test.” We receive requests like this all the time. It usually means they suspect an employee is using some kind of prohibited substance and they want to send them for a test. On...
According to PreventativePlusWellness’ website, marijuana use has been shrouded in myth for centuries. In our lifetime, this situation is being worsened by a growing marijuana industry stemming from legalizing recreational and medical pot use. Click here to read the 10 Risks to Using Marijuana...
March 3, 2017 through March 26, 2017, local & state officers will conduct high-visibility patrols across the state of Indiana, to identify and intercept those driving aggressively and under the influence of alcohol. Click here to read more.
The theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month is “Put Your Best Fork Forward”. The campaign, sponsored by the American Dietetic Association, reminds us: Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. The best nutrition advice is based on science. Improving Truck Driver Health Driving...
There are many dedicated folks working on the heroin issue in La Porte County, IN. Workplace use is also on the rise. Figment Group urges business owners, at any size, to educate your employees on the effects of alcohol misuse and drug use. Awareness...
About 20% of alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream directly through the walls of the stomach and 80 % is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine. It is a myth that food absorbs the alcohol. Drinking on a full stomach slows the...
National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week links students with scientists and other experts to counteract the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, social media, TV, movies, music, or from friends. It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the...
Efforts to expand the legalization of recreational marijuana use in the US and abroad is increasing interest in marijuana, and stoking myths about its use. Because these myths paint marijuana in a favorable light, they could influence marijuana consumption among children, adolescents and young...
In general women reach higher BAC faster than men, due to having less water in their bodies to dilute the alcohol. Women also have more adipose tissue (fat), which is not easily penetrated by by alcohol.
Employers must conduct follow-up testing in accordance with a SAP’s prescribed plan. Such plans specify the number of tests to be conducted over a given period, but do not give instruction about the exact dates or times to conduct follow-up tests. Employers must not...
Almost 4% of adults are alcohol depend (alcoholic). Another 25% are not dependent, however drink in ways that put themselves and others at risk of harm. Risky drinking causes more than 80,000 deaths each year.
Generally, the higher the alcohol concentration of a drink the faster the alcohol will be absorbed into the blood stream. Once standard drink of hard liquor has the same alcohol content as a regular beer. Since hard liquor is frequently less diluted (as in...
It is an employment setting where all employees adhere to a program of policies and activities designed to provide a safe workplace, discourage alcohol and drug abuse and encourage treatment, recovery and the return to work of those employees with such abuse problems. The...
Per the DOT Regulations: Companies with even one (1) CDL driver must have a DOT Drug & Alcohol Policy CDL driver(s) must receive one (1) hour of drug education or an educational pamphlet on drug use and its impact. Supervisors of even one (1)...
We will be closed Thursday November 24th & Friday November 25th for Thanksgiving. We will resume normal business hours on Monday November 28th, 2016. Thank you and Have a Safe Holiday!
It is commonly thought that higher altitudes will cause intoxication more quickly than at sea level. Studies for Federal Aviation Administration do not confirm the common belief. Additionally, for those living at higher altitudes the body compensates for the thinner air by producing more...
The “Capsule” collection designed by Moschino and distributed within retail and online stores not only glamorizes the current prescription drug abuse and heroin crisis, but it also makes light of this devastating health epidemic that has impacted millions of Americans struggling with addiction and...
Water and fruit juices mixed with alcohol slow the absorption process, while carbonated beverages will speed it up. Carbonated drinks speed alcohol through the stomach and intestine into the bloodstream, creating a more rapid rise in BAC.
Certain symptoms and behaviors are warning signs for substance use in teens, although they may also indicate other problems, such as depression. Warning signs can include: Alcohol, smoke or other chemical odors on your child’s or their friends’ hands, breath or belongings Obvious intoxication,...
Click link below to sign up https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=x6by7txab&p=oi&m=1124875372471&sit=kvtz4iukb&f=034c1a9c-63e3-4896-b205-da023a6ac6b8
We are proud to announce the 10th annual anniversary observance of DRUG-FREE WORK WEEK, OCTOBER 10 – 15, 2016. This yearly public awareness campaign highlights the importance of a drug-free workplace and encourages workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. History of...
Millions of Americans suffer from substance abuse, which includes underage drinking, alcohol dependency, non-medical use of prescription drugs, abuse of over-the-counter medications, and illicit drug use. Young Americans aged 12 to 20 account for 11 percent of the country’s monthly alcohol consumption. Approximately 23...
Long term drinkers develop a tolerance to alcohol, due to the liver becoming more efficient at metabolizing alcohol. In people with a high tolerance to alcohol it takes more alcohol to produce the outward signs of intoxication, however BAC is not affected. Someone with...
60% of high school students and 32% of middle school students say students keep, use or sell drugs on their school grounds 36% say it is easy or fairly easy for students to use drug or smoke without getting caught Teens estimate that 17%...
During the week of Sept. 11-17, 2016, law enforcement agencies across North America will conduct inspections on large trucks and buses to identify out-of-adjustment brakes, and brake-system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) violations as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Brake Safety...
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids has provided a test to see if parents would be able to answer their kids’ questions. Click the link below to take the 5 question test. Would you be able to answer your kids correctly? https://drugtest.drugfree.org/
Kids are going to ask questions about drugs and alcohol, click on the link below to learn helpful strategies on how to answer their questions and to view the “Fried Egg 2016” campaign video. https://www.drugfree.org/ready-with-answers
Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, has a special dorm that offers “substance-free” housing and activities for students in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, called the Recovery House. The nation’s opioid epidemic is focusing new attention on a strategy Rutgers pioneered...
Marijuana today is up to 20 times stronger than it was in the ’70s. The drug scene today is very different than it was a couple of decades ago, just like technology is very different. “Experimentation” now and trends like binge drinking can lead...
If you are a breath alcohol technician using a Lifeloc Techologies breath alcohol testing device, or urine drug screen collector looking to have your re-certification, due to your certificate expiring soon, we can meet those needs. According to DOT regulation 40.33 (e) you must...
Generally, all CDL drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles subject to the CDL requirements on public roads in the U.S. are performing safety-sensitive functions and are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing (§382.103). This includes all full-time, part-time, intermittent, backup and international drivers....
Click link below to sign up https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=x6by7txab&p=oi&m=1124875372471&sit=kvtz4iukb&f=034c1a9c-63e3-4896-b205-da023a6ac6b8
Medications can amplify the effects of alcohol on your body. Aspirin, tranquilizers, anti-depressants and cough medicines to name only a few.
The faster an individual drinks, the quicker their peak BAC will raise and the more quickly they will become intoxicated. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of approximately one standard drink per hour (12 oz. beer, 5 oz. wine, or a “shot” of...
According to the American Trucking Association, inspections will cover the 37-step North American Standard Level I Inspection, however an emphasis will be placed on checking tire pressure, making sure no items are lodged between dual tires and that no deep cuts or bulges exist...
Learn from a DOT Officer—5 things to consider: A tidy cab often means ‘move along’. Make your documents easy for the officer to inspect. Attitude counts! Remember, they have a quota for inspections. If you are chosen, be polite and professional–it will go a...
The coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder is referred to as co-occurring disorders. Co-occurring disorders were previously referred to as dual diagnoses. According to SAMHSA’s 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (PDF | 3.4 MB), approximately...
A Drug-Free Safety Program begins with safety! It integrates drug-free efforts into a company’s overall safety process. The Drug-Free Safety Program includes efforts to deter, detect and take corrective action to address alcohol and other drug use that impact workplace safety. You should include...
When the issue of Workplace Substance Abuse is addressed by establishing a comprehensive program, it is a “win-win” situation for both employers & employees, according to the US Department of Labor. A study of the economic impact of substance abuse treatment in Ohio found...
The level of supervision on the job can affect drink and drugging at the work rates. A study of evening shift workers, when supervision was reduced, found that employees were more likely to drink at work than highly supervised shifts.
https://www.heraldargus.com/news/years-in-business-and-counting/article_95970740-f2f0-5d87-844c-0bacb9152464.html
The loss to companies in the United States due to alcohol and drug related abuse by employees totals $100 billion a year – according to the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information.
According to figures from the latest (2014) National Survey, 52.7% of those surveyed said they were current drinkers or an estimated 139.6 million people. That number is slightly up from 136.8 million in 2013. Underage Current Drinkers: 12 – 13 years old: 168,000 14...
https://ohsonline.com/articles/2016/02/01/trends-in-marijuana-legalization.aspx?admgarea=ht.DrugandAlcoholTesting
Opioid misuse is a significant problem in the United States. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 914,000 people age 12 or older used heroin in the past year and 4.3 million people currently engage in non-medical use of pain...
Business: Figment Group Inc Incorporated: March 17, 2001 Owners: Jim & Mary Wellnitz, 219.326.8880 Web Site: www.figmentgroupinc.com Address: 416 Perry Street, La Porte, IN Awards: The Gerald I. Lamkin Innovator Award 2009, Lifeloc Technologies Award 2002-2015 Figment Group is recognized by the U.S. Small...
Reasonable Suspicion Training – Supervisors will be trained on how to recognize the signs, symptoms and performance indicators of drug use/abuse and alcohol misuse. This is training mandated by DOT. Designated Employer Representative Training – For those in charge of managing their company’s drug...
Reasonable Suspicion Training – Supervisors will be trained on how to recognize the signs, symptoms and performance indicators of drug use/abuse and alcohol misuse. This is training mandated by DOT. Designated Employer Representative Training – For those in charge of managing their company’s drug...
Despite good intentions, the $290 billion spent by the federal government since 1980 hasn’t made a dent in the drug trade. Instead, drug dealers respond by being more tenacious and creative – after all, the profits are enormous and the drug supply is endless. ...
Random testing serves as a true deterrent in any drug free workplace program. Knowing a test is possible will discourage light users from indulging and forces heavy users to change jobs or change their habits! Random drug testing can easily be budgeted and offers...
