As this was Aubrey’s first-ever conference, here are some of her thoughts about the event:

"The conference was a big eye-opener in terms of my understanding of where the future of drug testing is heading. From everything I saw and heard, there are more and more electronic and online solutions for the industry. I participated in training on oral fluid testing and the science behind it and am pleased to be able to better explain to our clients how oral fluid testing will work. I also had the opportunity to meet a lot of my peers in the industry and hear about different testing situations they have encountered throughout their careers. I look forward to sharing information that will benefit our TSS clients. It was inspiring to see how large our industry really is and the many innovations that are always going on."

Ginny has attended many years of conferences. She met with many of the vendors (SOLD OUT BOOTH SPACE!!) and reviewed new products that TSS may want to explore. As our Operations Manager, she is always interested in how to improve our customer experience with efficiency, reliability and an eye toward cost-effectiveness for all. She has scheduled follow-up meetings with some vendors to review their products in more detail. 

One of the highlights of the conference for me every year is the VIP reception on the first night. It is a well-attended event that allows us to really visit with our colleagues and meet with the folks we regularly talk to on the phone. Our team also had the chance to welcome actor, writer and comedian Tom Arnold, the conference’s 2024 keynote speaker. At the opening ceremony the next day, Tom shared an inspiring and moving story of his recovery journey from addiction.

With everything we learned, saw and heard this year, the TSS team is already looking forward to NDASA's conference in Jacksonville, FL in April 2025.

Best regards,

Renee Schofield

NDASA's 2024 Board of Directors

TSS CEO, Renee Schofield, a founding member of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association, was re-elected to NDASA’s Board of Directors for a 3-year term recently.

"Being back on the board is such an honor," she says. "I love being involved in board processes and supporting our members as they grow their businesses is very important to me. I look forward to representing NDASA at Advocacy Day in Washington DC in 2025!! There are so many great things happening in our industry, some can and will be challenging, however, together we can work toward solid resolutions."

Marijuana Reclassification and Potential Safety Repercussions

In May, several national news outlets reported that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is likely moving forward with the federal reclassification of marijuana.

Currently, marijuana is federally designated as a Schedule I substance, “meaning that it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.” Reportedly, the DEA is planning to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug and recognize its possible medical uses.  

What could this mean in terms of public safety?

With many states having legalized marijuana, the public may ask why this is significant news. It is important because federally regulated employees in safety-sensitive roles must be compliant with federal drug testing regulations – no matter what local or state laws say. Pilots, bus drivers, commercial truckers, train conductors, etc. are currently subject to drug testing by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and marijuana, in its current classification is among the substances tested for.  

However, according to American Substance Abuse Professionals, “The reclassification could automatically remove marijuana from the DOT testing panel unless there is a specific regulatory exemption for DOT safety-sensitive employees. In the last four years, over 144,000 commercial drivers tested positive for marijuana. This does not include flight crew members, aircraft maintenance, train conductors or bus drivers. Surveys reveal that 1 in 4 people who use marijuana get high at work. At the same time, the technology to prove real-time marijuana impairment does not exist. There is no marijuana impairment test equivalent to a roadside alcohol test. In the absence of DOT testing for marijuana or a valid real-time test, there is no protection for the traveling public from impaired operators.”

June is National Safety MonthStop the Bleed Month

June marks National Safety Month and as any safety professional will tell you, prevention is key to ensuring a safe workplace. That means ongoing maintenance and housekeeping initiatives to ensure on-the-job hazards are cleaned up and resolved before anyone gets hurt.

One prevention strategy recommended by the National Safety Council, which started the National Safety Month campaign in 1996, is the “safety walkaround.” The safety walkaround entails setting aside time regularly to walk the office, jobsite or shop to look for and identify potential hazards. Anyone in the organization, from workers to management and safety staff can participate.

Even if your workplace has a very strong safety culture, the walkaround offers a valuable opportunity to confirm that your safety protocols are being followed and that your employees are trained properly.

Summer Heat Precautions

We are all ready for the joy of summer sun and outdoor activities. Shedding our winter gear for flip flops and tank tops and heading to the ballparks, has many of us excited!

But as the temperatures soar this season, we should all keep in mind that the heat can be dangerous if we fail to pay attention to a few factors.

Some people are more susceptible than others. For example, older adult bodies don’t adapt to heat fluctuations as quickly as younger ones. Older adults may also take medications that react with the head and create an overheating situation much faster than normal.

For infants and young children, most often deaths occur because they are accidentally left or forgotten in a hot car. Newer vehicles have a reminder signal upon turning the car off. However, you can devise a reminder by simply placing your handbag in the back seat, placing a stuffed animal in the front seat when the kids are in the back or keeping a child’s shoe on the dashboard when they are traveling with you. Hot cars kill kids quickly! 

Playing or working outside is hard work! Kids overheat quickly in the sun and outdoor workers are also at risk.

How can you avoid a health emergency?

Safe Camping

Over the summer months, camping is a fun way to get outdoors and build memories with family and friends. By using some common sense, planning ahead and remaining alert, your camping trip can be a positive experience for all.

As you get ready to head out into nature, here are a few recommendations for staying safe.

BE PREPARED

Before you leave:

• Check the weather forecast
• Pack an emergency supply kit that includes: a first-aid kit, compass or GPS, map, flashlight, blankets, batteries, and medications.
• Let friends or family know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Check your gear. Make sure that your tent, cooking equipment, flashlights, etc. are in working order.
• Pack clothes and bedding that are appropriate for the weather. Be prepared for changes in conditions and temperature.
• Carefully consider your food and water supplies. Do you have enough? Are there places nearby where you can stock up if necessary?

Coaching Corner: Coping with the emotions of the season

By Renee Schofield, NO SPEED LIMIT

As a certified health and wellness coach, I am always gathering resources to help people live their best lives.

It’s graduation season! From kindergarten to college, graduates are everywhere. We recently attended a high school graduation for our oldest granddaughter. Our auditorium was full of well-wishers for the 100+ students capping their high school careers. It’s an exciting time of endings and beginnings; a time of decision-making about the future and all that it holds. It’s a time of smiles, gifts and celebration of the accomplishments of the student.

For some high school or college students, it may also bring some anxiety about what’s next. What will I do next fall, when others go back to school? Where will I go to school? What job might I find in my field? All of these are great questions and ones that may not be answered easily. For parents and family members, graduation season is often an emotional time. Their baby is grown and ready to leave the nest! Time has gone so quickly! These are statements you’ll likely hear at any graduation.