Strengthen construction safety with integrated drug testing, background checks, and compliance.

Construction drug testing and background screening requirements come from multiple sources, including federal regulations, state law, project owners, and general contractor standards. Without a structured program, gaps can form that put employers at risk. Here’s what construction employers need to know:

OSHA and Drug-Free Workplace Programs

OSHA doesn't mandate drug testing for all construction employers, but it permits and recognizes drug-free workplace programs in safety-sensitive environments. OSHA permits post‑accident drug testing when conducted for legitimate safety reasons and not used to discourage injury reporting. Employers should test all employees whose actions may have contributed to the incident, not only the injured worker.

DOT-Regulated Workers on Construction Projects

Many construction projects require DOT‑compliant drug and alcohol testing for workers in safety‑sensitive roles, especially those operating commercial vehicles. Depending on the project and role, requirements may fall under FMCSA or PHMSA regulations, particularly in oil and gas, transportation infrastructure, and government work. Construction companies must follow 49 CFR Part 40, including the use of HHS‑certified laboratories and Medical Review Officer (MRO) review.

Background Check Standards for Construction

Construction background checks go beyond basic criminal history. Comprehensive screening typically includes multi‑jurisdictional criminal searches, identity and Social Security verification, employment history, and validation of required licenses or certifications such as OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or crane credentials. Additional searches may apply for projects with heightened security requirements.

Federal Contracts and the Drug-Free Workplace Act

Construction companies holding federal contracts are subject to the Drug-Free Workplace Act, which requires maintaining a formal drug-free workplace policy, notifying employees of prohibited conduct, and establishing consequences for violations. A documented, consistently applied screening program is essential for compliance.

Construction moves fast. You can’t afford to wait days for test results or chase down compliance paperwork while a crew sits idle on a jobsite. TEAM is built for the pace of construction hiring and the complexity of multi-contractor projects, with fast turnaround times, a nationwide collection network, and a platform designed to handle high-volume, distributed workforces.

TEAM helps you build a construction site compliance program that meets the requirements of the projects you bid on. From federal contracts requiring Drug-Free Workplace Act compliance to private projects with owner-specific testing requirements, we configure your program to fit — so you’re ready before the first worker arrives on-site.

We work with general contractors, specialty subcontractors, heavy civil firms, and industrial construction companies of all sizes. Our platform lets you manage compliance for your direct hires and your entire subcontractor network from one system, so every worker on your jobsite is verified, screened, and ready to work. With 25 years of experience and more than 120,000 candidates qualified, TEAM understands what construction companies need to stay compliant, stay competitive, and keep their projects safe.