The Energy Department is not complying with its own policies regarding random testing of certain employees for possible use of illegal drugs, and IG audit has found, adding that “without effectively and consistently implementing a robust substance abuse testing program, the department cannot be assured that it is providing a drug-free workplace.”
It said that departmental policy calls for annual random tests of 30 percent of employees in “testing designated positions”—mainly those who hold security clearances or are in law enforcement, health or safety occupations. That encompasses about 6,400 positions out of the department’s roughly 13,000 employees, it said.
However, auditors found that the department’s substance abuse office did not verify that employees selected for testing were actually tested, did not maintain records of employees selected for testing, and did not ensure that local substance abuse program coordinators were fully aware of their responsibilities.
The report said that records varied regarding what percentage actually were tested but that in 2018 for example the highest possible figure was 24 percent. At several sites, it said, none of the employees selected for testing during a certain period actually were tested.
It said that management agreed with its recommendations.
House Bill Would Block OPM-GSA Merger, Continue A-76 Ban
Let Employees Keep Teleworking, Senators Say; OPM IG to Examine Recalls
FLRA Finalizes Change to Union Dues Withholding Policy
Prospects for Covid Relief Bill Improve, but Provisions Still Uncertain (July 7)
