Just had to submit to my first hair test a couple of weeks ago…BULLSHIT! Just like the previous poster, my test wasn’t even required by the company that hired me, it was required by the oil company so I could “transit” their dock/facility to get to the tug.
Worst part was the lack of professionalism by the guy who collected my sample- he took me back to a room and sat me down in a chair with my back to him, and then without any warning or instruction, just walked up behind me and started hacking clumps from the top of my head. After he had gathered enough, he went over to a counter behind me and started packing up my sample. I was shocked that I was not given the option to witness any of this, so I got up from my chair and stood next to him so I could see what the hell he was doing. My hair was placed in a piece of aluminum foil he tore off a roll and then slipped into an envelope and sealed. When I asked to see the seal number to I could confirm that it matched the paperwork I was signing, he seemed put off and reluctantly agreed. I politely explained that the results of this test directly affect my ability to earn a living for my family, and I wanted to make sure that there was no way things could get mixed up. He shrugged his shoulders and exclaimed “whatever”. Needless to say, I was a little pissed. As you all know, with UA the collector opens the sealed cup and you are allowed / required to witness the whole thing. Then when the sample is split, the two viles are opened by breaking little plastic seals so there is no way for you to argue that things have been tampered with. However, if I had not stood up and insisted on witnessing my hair sample being sealed up, the guy could have done anything he wanted. I’m not suggesting that this guy was trying to F me over, but if my sample was somehow contaminated it would be me fighing for my job, not him.
I think this whole business of looking at what people do in their private lives, away from work, is complete bullshit. If the boat crews get tested, the whole company should be tested all the way up to the CEfuckingO. I agree that it is important that the guys and gals operating your equipment are sober, but what position is more important than the guy operating the whole f-ing company?? How about the CFO who is responsible for millions or billions of dollars?
Finally, thinking about the Amsterdam comment…I think most people would be happier if we just F-ING LEGALIZE weed all ready. I mean, give me a fucking break. As most of you probably all ready know, weed is a great way to relax and reduce stress (I’m told). But, because of pee and hair tests, [B]we are encouraged to be drunks instead[/B]- which leads to domestic disputes, drunk driving and liver failure. Bottom line: everyone should be sober at work, and they have a brethalizer that can test for weed as well as alcohol. If you are high or drunk at work I don’t want you on my boat. But, if you like to relax with a little medicne from your garden in the privacy of your own home its none of my business. If they want to keep drug testing for meth, coke, herion etc. I don’t care because people who regularly use those need help anyway and I don’t know anyone who likes to[I] occasionally [/I]unwind with a little meth…you either abuse it or you don’t.
Legalize weed, check for sobrity when employees crew up, screen for “hard” drugs, and I bet you would have less alcoholism, less hypertension, more relaxed and happy crews. Oh yeah, and the gov’t can tax that shit and make a ton of cash too.