Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jun 2008
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2008 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Allison Hanes
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

TTC LOOKS AT FACE-SCANS IN LIEU OF DRUG-AND-ALCOHOL TESTING FOR WORKERS

The Toronto Transit Commission is considering "face scans" as part of 
an upcoming fitness-for-duty policy to be drafted in the wake of a 
fatal accident last year that claimed the life of maintenance worker 
Tony Almeida. The face scans, which can detect fatigue or impairment, 
would be a high-tech alternative to drug-and-alcohol testing for 
workers -- another idea floated by the TTC to promote safety for 
passengers and its workforce.

The union has expressed dismay over both measures. But chairman Adam 
Giambrone said face scans are just "one of hundreds of options, 
technology and otherwise. All of these things will come forward with 
a report in August," he said. "We'll look at all the different 
technologies." Mr. Almeida was found to have marijuana in his system 
when he was killed, although that was not deemed a factor in his death.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom