FMCSA Releases SMC Tips for the Controlled Substance/Alcohol BASIC
On Thursday, April 4th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the release of the Safety Management Cycle (SMC) guideline document addressing the Controlled Substance/Alcohol BASIC.
The SMC is a tool used by the FMCSA to help identify and address motor carrier safety and compliance issues. Motor carriers can also use the SMC within their own businesses to determine which of the Safety Management Processes (SMPs) that they may need to improve by looking at the processes, management, and controls associated with each SMP.
According to FMCSA, the referenced document identifies tools motor carriers can use to establish and improve appropriate safety management controls, thereby reducing or eliminating violations. According to FMCSA, the SMC tools include recommendations such as establishing written policies and procedures that promote, verify, and enforce adherence to all controlled substance and alcohol rules and regulations. Another action a carrier may want to take is conveying expectations to all applicable staff for adhering to controlled substance and alcohol regulations and to company policies and procedures. To view the SMC Controlled Substance/Alcohol BASIC guidelines document, please visit the SMC website.
