Department of Transportation (DOT) oral fluid screening update. While we have mentioned that DOT has approved oral fluid drug testing, we gathered additional information and knowledge at the conference. Ginny Clay and I participated in the FIRST-EVER Train the Trainer event for oral fluid collections training. We are now both on our way to being able to train collectors in the oral fluid category. Approximately 70 other people participated in this important training, along with us. We look forward to hosting some regional events and helping collectors become qualified in oral fluid collection, under the new DOT rule.

WHEN will we begin using oral fluid? It won’t likely be anytime soon. Several labs are working toward accreditation of their oral fluid testing devices, but as of today, none have submitted their devices for approval. It was mentioned that we can hope to see that in the next six months or so. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requires that at last TWO labs are approved prior to beginning any oral fluid testing for DOT. Why? Because, in the event of a positive test result, the donor has the right to request that the “B” specimen be sent to another lab for confirmation. And so, we wait.

LynnLee Mitchell is now a Certified Professional Collection Trainer! Lynnlee completed her training at the NDASA conference in Bellevue! Becoming a CPCT requires general knowledge, attending a training course and at TSS, one year of direct work in the industry. Congratulations, Lynnlee! 

I also was a presenter at the conference. “How to Talk to Legislators” was my topic. I had a fun group of people attend and I had a great time working with them on how to interact with their lawmakers when they get home. I am grateful to the conference committee for selecting me to present and look forward to doing it again! 

Ginny and I are both State Affiliates for NDASA. Ginny represents Alaska and I represent Hawaii. State Affiliates work to bring information to employers and legislators about new regulations, training and other programs of interest to those respective states. This very important NDASA committee of more than 50 people is committed to helping Americans be safe at work! Watch for more details about that soon. 

And lastly, my deepest gratitude to those on the TSS team who were not able to attend the conference. Obviously, we cannot take everyone at the same time. I so wish we could! Those that held the offices together while we went to training…. Cameron, Treasure, Aubrey, Memory, Myron, Eric and Cindi… we could not do it without you! We appreciate you so much!

While some employees are a bit more apt to think about how things might go awry, not everyone does. I often hear, “Everybody knows that!” Of course, folks know that if you hit your thumb with a hammer, it’s going to hurt! But does everyone know how to mitigate the potential for that injury or what to do if it occurs? Who is responsible for what in the event of an emergency? What do we need to ensure a safe working environment for each particular job that we are doing? What personal protective equipment do we need for each particular job? That is where a great safety program comes into play.

Safety meetings provide annual required training for your team. Those meetings also let you discuss upcoming projects that may need special attention to safety matters. They are an opportunity to discuss near-miss or actual accidents that occurred. They allow the team to review what happened and how to prevent the incident from happening again.

Americans love to camp. It’s a summer pastime for an estimated 48 million households each year (and the numbers have been growing since the pandemic). But facing the elements can be dangerous and challenging. On average, there are more than 30,000 camping-related emergency room visits each year and another 75,000 campers are treated by doctors for their injuries.

But with some preparation, care and common sense, most camping accidents and injuries can be avoided.

Like in any situation where safety is a consideration, preparation is key.

With the long Fourth of July weekend fast approaching, we want to share some reminders for making it a safe one.

Every year, there are numerous reported injuries, illnesses and accidents that put a damper on the holiday celebrations. Let’s make 2023 as safe as it can be, by following some simple recommendations for avoiding common July 4th hazards:

LynnLee Michell grew up in Ketchikan in a construction family. She has worked at many different jobs, including a variety of seasonal jobs in Ketchikan (Cedars Lodge on the dock and runner for the cruise ships at Southeast Stevedoring, to name a few). She moved to Anchorage 13 years ago, where she first worked at a rock pit and later at the Blood Bank of Alaska.

By Renee Schofield, NO SPEED LIMIT

I like to ask my clients what they are reading right now. I think it provides insight into where they are in life and work.

Often, I find they are reading more than one book: One for fun and one for other reasons. Some read online, some use audiobooks and others love the feel of a real book in their hands.

No matter how the content is delivered, it is interesting to learn what others find value in reading about. Many read for relaxation and others read for education. So what are you reading? A beach novel? A strong leadership development book? I invite you to pick a new book this month! Grab something you might not otherwise jump into and see how it goes. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Have a great summer and READ A BOOK!

Through webinars and 

interactive online training courses, TSS offers a wide range of options that can help you reach your professional development or safety learning goals. 

View our featured online courses on TSS's revamped website homepage. Make sure to keep checking back for new content!

CPR & First Aid

Blended Learning offers a flexible alternative to our traditional format: