On June 10, 2016, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published its final rule for Drug & Alcohol testing for MOW workers which amends Part 219 regulatory requirements and the addition to random drug and alcohol testing of Maintenance of Way Workers, as defined by the definition of “Roadway Worker” in Part 214.7.
What is the FRA’s MOW Rule?
This rule expands the scope of FRA’s drug and alcohol testing regulations to cover employees (including contractors) that perform railroad maintenance-of-way activities as defined by section 412 of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Under the new updated rule, the FRA will hold railroads, contractors, and subcontractors equally responsible for ensuring that their employees who perform MOW activities are in compliance with the requirements of Part 219.
Furthermore, the rule requires that railroads submit a revised and expanded drug & alcohol compliance plan to the FRA 30 days prior to June 12th, 2017. Plans are required to include written confirmation that the contractors working for railroad companies have their own plans in place, submitted and approved by the FRA.
For more information on the new MOW rule or to enroll in our DOT FRA Consortium, please contact us at 800-221-4291.