Drug Testing in the Workplace Extends to NASCAR Tracks & MLB Fields

The latest sports news dominating Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) does not involve home runs or record breaking speeds but, unfortunately, failed drug tests.

After many years of rumors and innuendoes, MLB implemented a drug testing program to rid the game of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs that have forced hardball fans to question the outstanding pitching and hitting accomplishments of such modern legends such Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Mark McGwire, among others.

This year, America’s pastime has already dealt with positive drug testing results from two of its biggest current stars. Before the 2009 season even began, Sports Illustrated magazine broke the news of New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez’s failed drug test during MLB’s 2003 survey testing for steroids. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez tested positive for a banned substance in spring training and was recently suspended for 50 games in accordance with MLB regulations, forfeiting $7.7 million in salary from his two-year, $45-million contract.

In the world of stock car racing, NASCAR driver Jeremy Mayfield failed a random drug test and was suspended indefinitely, becoming the first driver to violate NASCAR’s tough new drug policy that went into effect this season. In a statement, Mayfield said that the combination of a prescribed medicine and an over the counter medicine reacted together and resulted in a positive drug test for a banned substance. He and his doctor are working with NASCAR and the company running NASCAR's drug testing program to resolve the matter.

And NASCAR’s drug testing policy extends beyond the race track to the pit stop. Days after the Daytona 500, one of Mayfield's pit crew members became the first person punished under NASCAR's new drug testing policy for a failed drug test. More recently, two more pit crew members from other racing teams were suspended indefinitely for failed drug tests.

NASCAR announced a new, tougher drug policy last September in part because of a former Truck Series driver's admission that he had used heroin – even on days he raced. Under the new rules, all drivers and crew members were tested before the season began. Random tests are scheduled throughout the year, and at least four drivers are tested each weekend.

Failed drug tests can indicate a successful drug testing process by which employers can ensure a drug-free workplace that saves time and money. While most employees don’t have to hit 400 foot home runs or drive 200 miles per hour while working, they still need to have a safe environment in which to work.

Pre-Employ.com – a leader in background screening services – has customized and cost-effective drug testing solutions available nationwide that reduce risk and liability for employers in all types of workplaces: a race track, a baseball field, or an office building.

For more information about Pre-Employ.com’s drug testing services, please visit www.pre-employ.com, email info@pre-employ.com, or call 1-800-300-1821.

Contact Us @ Pre-Employ.com

tahearn@pre-employ.com

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