Mark R. Telegin

Document ID: DOT-OST-2003-15245-0070
Document Type: Public Submission
Agency: Department Of Transportation
Received Date: August 30 2008, at 03:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Date Posted: September 4 2008, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Start Date: September 4 2008, at 12:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
Comment Due Date: September 25 2008, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time
Tracking Number: 806e822b
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This is comment on Rule

Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug Testing Programs

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The new standards for drug testing as described in sec 40.67 b are outlandish. I am outraged at this new proceedure of a type of strip search. After 42 years in the railroad industry I now have to strip down in front of officers or whoever the RR finds acceptable and do my "business" in front of them. I have a very big problem with this. It is totally unacceptable to me and my co-workers. The problem with this type of testing is that if an individual rejects this conduct from the governing bodies he or she is labeled as a "druggy" and only those who have "nothing to hide" will resent this type of testing. How about having those in government who supervise or judges or even presedents of the US do this same proceedure. I do not think it would pass. I believe that where there is a problem with drugs that the problem is suspected and due action will occur. I find the biggest problem with the Railroad industry is with fatigue. This issue is only brushed over and eyes are turned the other way. Another factor is male pattern depression because of the hours worked, meals and sleep coming at bazzar times causes many stresses at the RR work place for those in Engine or Train service. The government bodies that regulate are totally out of touch. Have them work the crazy hours and put up with the work condidions and then have them submit to rude and embarassing searches of their private parts. I did not like Gym in highschool because of the environment in the showers. Being naked in front of others is not one of my preferences and I am abhorred at the prospect of stripping down in front of others and treated to embarassing searches. If you want a "clean" environment then treat those in the industry with respect and not with abuse! The results of "dirty" tests is very low on the rail industry. How about going after the truckers or Government workers who can affect so many people. The highway patrol can't even keep truckers to the posted speed and now you want to go after Railroaders....this is truely bizzar. Mark Telegin