Definitions

Definition - What does Safety-Sensitive Position mean?

A safety-sensitive position refers to a job in which the employee is responsible for his or her own or other people's safety. It also refers to jobs that would be particularly dangerous if performed under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Safety-sensitive positions are often the focus of drug and alcohol testing.

SureHire explains Safety-Sensitive Position

In a safety-sensitive job, drug or alcohol impairment could result in significant injury to the employee and others in the area. Lack of attention in a safety-sensitive position can result in an incident that adversely affects the health or safety of employees, contractors, customers, the public, or the environment. These types of incidents (and the practices that led to them), can negatively impact the company’s financial position and/or any previously gained goodwill in the area within which the company operates. Safety sensitive jobs include the use of heavy machinery, operating public transportation or dealing with hazardous chemicals. In many cases, employees hired to safety-sensitive positions must submit to regular drug and alcohol testing, as well as testing that occurs after an incident.