Prior to Approval

1. A consent form authorizing drug/alcohol tests by a N.I.D.A./S.A.M.H.S.A. approved laboratory must be signed by the applicant before final acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program is granted by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Drug/alcohol tests will be given prior to acceptance and at any time during the term of apprenticeship by the Apprenticeship Program or on-the-job training Employer, at the expense of the Apprenticeship Program or the Employer.

After Acceptance

1. A physical exam report from the Western PA Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program's qualified physician stating the applicant is "able to perform the essential functions of a Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic in the construction industry" must be received by the Apprenticeship Committee before starting the Apprenticeship Program.
2. Apprentices may be tested by the Employer or the Apprenticeship Program under the terms of the Joint Labor-Management Drug/Alcohol Abuse Program Article XXII (attached), and/or in accordance with the mandatory drug and alcohol testing regulations established by the Dept. of Transportation. Apprentices must also participate and maintain active status in the Master Builders Association and Union Construction Trades Drug Free Partnership Program. Apprentices who receive a confirmed positive drug and/or alcohol test result will be terminated from the Apprenticeship Program. Apprentices who have been terminated and subsequently provide proof of successful rehabilitation may re-apply to the Apprenticeship Program. The Joint Apprenticeship Committee will consider all applicants on an equal basis. Upon acceptance into the Apprenticeship Program, the Joint Apprenticeship Committee may grant advanced status based upon the apprentice’s previous record in the Apprenticeship Program.
3. A physician’s release to return to work is required after any injury/illness that affects the apprentice’s ability to work at the trade.
4. All training site or on-the-job injuries must be reported immediately to supervision.

Before Acceptance:

1. I consent to be tested for drug/alcohol content by a N.I.D.A./S.A.M.H.S.A. approved testing laboratory.
2. I understand that applicants testing positive to drugs/alcohol will not be considered for indenture into the Training Program.

After Acceptance:

1. I authorize the Training Program or on-the-job training Employer to test for drugs/alcohol as agreed to under the terms of the Joint Labor-Management Drug/Alcohol Abuse Program, Article XXII of the Bargaining Agreement, and in accordance with the mandatory drug and alcohol testing regulations established by the Department of Transportation regarding commercial driver’s licenses. I understand that I must also participate and maintain active status in the Master Builders Association and Union Construction Trades Drug Free Partnership Program. Such tests will be paid for by the Training Program or Employer.
2. I authorize on-the-job training Employers or the Training Program to release any confirmed positive drug/alcohol test results to the Joint Apprenticeship Committee with the full understanding that action will be taken as explained in Section B-2 of the Western PA Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program Medical Policy.