DRUG & ALCOHOL (D&A) PROGRAM AUDITS
WHY CONDUCT A DRUG & ALCOHOL PROGRAM AUDIT?
Maintaining a compliant and effective drug and alcohol (D&A) testing program is essential for workplace safety, regulatory adherence, and risk mitigation. A D&A program audit ensures that employers meet all required industry standards, legal obligations, and best practices for substance testing and workplace safety. At NorthStream Safety & Rehab, we offer comprehensive audits that evaluate testing policies, implementation procedures, and compliance frameworks to help businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes and workplace safety requirements.
Conducting a D&A program audit is critical for ensuring regulatory compliance, program effectiveness, and liability reduction. Whether your company operates in a DOT-regulated industry, safety-sensitive sector, or general workplace setting, an audit can help identify gaps, improve testing procedures, and mitigate risks associated with workplace substance use.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY REGULATIONS
Employers must adhere to federal, provincial, and industry-specific drug and alcohol testing regulations. A D&A audit ensures your program meets all compliance requirements, including:
- DOT (Department of Transportation) and non-DOT testing regulations
- Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) requirements
- Occupational health & safety (OHS) standards
- Human rights and privacy considerations for employee testing
Failing to comply with drug and alcohol testing policies can lead to legal penalties, lost contracts, and increased liability risks. An audit ensures your program is legally sound and up to date.
REDUCING LIABILITY & WORKPLACE SAFETY RISKS
A strong D&A program plays a vital role in reducing the risks associated with substance use in the workplace. An audit helps:
- Identify gaps in policy enforcement and testing inconsistencies
- Ensure proper handling of positive test results and follow-up procedures
- Strengthen workplace safety protocols for high-risk industries
By proactively auditing your D&A program, you mitigate legal liability, improve workplace safety, and protect employees from impairment-related risks.
IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF YOUR TESTING PROGRAM
Even if a D&A program is in place, it must be reviewed regularly to ensure it is functioning as intended. An audit evaluates:
- Testing frequency and random selection processes
- Effectiveness of education and awareness programs
- Consistency in handling post-incident and reasonable suspicion testing
If gaps are found, our experts provide recommendations for strengthening policies, streamlining processes, and ensuring program efficiency.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A D&A PROGRAM AUDIT
A drug and alcohol program audit is a structured review process that evaluates all aspects of policy, procedure, and compliance. Our auditors examine key components of your program, provide a detailed assessment, and recommend corrective actions to enhance compliance and effectiveness.
REVIEWING TESTING POLICIES & PROCEDURES
We conduct an in-depth review of your company’s drug and alcohol policy to ensure it aligns with legal standards and industry requirements. Our audit assesses: Clarity and enforcement of policies, Appropriate testing methods (urine, oral fluid, breath alcohol, etc.), Policy consistency for all employees, including safety-sensitive roles.
A well-structured policy reduces risks and ensures fair and effective program implementation.
EVALUATING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & RECORD-KEEPING
Proper documentation and record-keeping are essential for compliance and legal protection. Our audit ensures: Accurate record-keeping of testing results and employee notifications, Compliance with confidentiality and privacy laws, Proper documentation of employee consent and testing procedures.
A thorough evaluation ensures your program is defensible, well-documented, and legally compliant.
IDENTIFYING GAPS & AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Our audit findings highlight any inconsistencies, weaknesses, or regulatory risks in your D&A program. We provide: A detailed gap analysis with actionable recommendations, Strategies to enhance policy effectiveness, Guidance on improving enforcement, education, and employee support.
By identifying and addressing gaps proactively, businesses can avoid compliance failures, reduce risks, and improve workplace safety.
WHO CAN BE AUDITED?
A Drug & Alcohol (D&A) Program Audit is designed to evaluate the effectiveness, compliance, and reliability of a company’s substance testing policies and procedures. Any employer with a workplace drug and alcohol testing program can benefit from an audit, whether they are legally mandated to conduct testing or have voluntarily implemented a program to enhance workplace safety. Audits help identify compliance gaps, improve policy enforcement, and reduce liability risks.
Certain industries and organizations have higher compliance requirements due to the nature of their work. Below are the primary groups that should regularly audit their D&A testing programs to ensure they meet legal, regulatory, and operational standards.
DOT-REGULATED EMPLOYERS
Employers operating under DOT regulations are required to adhere to strict drug and alcohol testing standards. Our audit helps:
- Ensure compliance with DOT 49 CFR Part 40 testing requirements
- Verify correct testing procedures, reporting, and follow-up actions
- Maintain audit-ready records and documentation
For transportation, aviation, maritime, and other DOT-covered industries, compliance is essential for legal and operational integrity.
NON-DOT & PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS
Many non-DOT industries also enforce drug and alcohol testing policies to maintain a safe work environment. Our audit ensures compliance with:
- Provincial labor laws and occupational health & safety (OHS) standards
- Company-specific drug and alcohol policies
- Workplace safety requirements for high-risk industries
Private sector employers in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and industrial settings benefit from comprehensive D&A audits.
ORGANIZATIONS WITH SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITIONS
Employers with safety-sensitive roles must ensure that employees are not impaired while performing hazardous tasks. Our audit assesses:
- Testing program effectiveness for safety-critical roles
- Compliance with industry-specific regulations
- Return-to-work testing and substance use prevention strategies
A D&A program audit helps employers establish a robust framework for workplace safety and risk management.
SCHEDULE A DRUG & ALCOHOL PROGRAM AUDIT TODAY
CONTACT US FOR COMPLIANCE SUPPORT & RISK ASSESSMENT
Don’t wait until compliance issues arise—proactively review and strengthen your drug and alcohol testing program today. Contact us for an expert D&A program audit, and ensure your workplace meets legal, safety, and operational requirements.