Testing

‘Gross Misconduct’ Cancels COBRA Coverage

01/01/2002

Q. Do I have to provide a COBRA notice for an employee who is terminated for a positive drug test shortly after starting work? —D.W., Colorado

Smart pre-employment screening can cut cost of future injuries

11/01/2001

Woodbridge Corp., a manufacturer of foam padding, used a wrist test to help identify job applicants who might be susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome. If applicants’ test results were abnormal, Woodbridge …

Test before deciding on employee’s limits

09/01/2001

Shirley Hoffman was a whiz at her indexing job at Caterpillar Inc. She moved faster than almost anyone, even though she was born without a left arm below the elbow. Several …

Rx for drug testing: A firm policy, legal knowledge

08/01/2001

If you’re not testing employees for drugs yet, some of your best excuses are going up in smoke. New testing devices are cheaper and less invasive than urine tests. Example: Products …

Don’t assume whether or not workers can pass job tests

05/01/2001

Jade McKenzie never had a negative job review in 10 years with the county sheriff’s department. Then came a psychological meltdown prompted, in part, by post-traumatic stress related to childhood sexual …

Forcing older staff to take exams singles you out for a lawsuit

04/01/2001

The New York City Transit Authority required employees over age 40 to undergo an electrocardiogram (EKG) to be considered for the job of station supervisor. Jack Epter, 46, passed the …

EEOC scowls at genetic testing

04/01/2001

If you’re weighing the costs of testing workers to predict future disabilities, don’t forget to count the attorney fees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently called genetic testing by …

You and staffing firm share ADA responsibility

03/01/2001

If you use contingent workers, both you and the staffing agency may be considered “employers,” which means you share the duty of accommodating a disabled worker, according to new guidance from …

Check state law for drug testing policy

02/01/2001

Q. Is drug testing permitted under Maryland law? —L.R., Maryland

Test for illegal drugs OK under ADA

11/01/2000

Q. Our company wants to begin screening applicants for illegal drugs. Can we make job offers conditional on the results of a drug test? —K.P., Louisiana