What immediate action must be taken if an employee has a BAC of 0.02 or greater?

When an employee exhibits a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.02 or greater, it is crucial to remove them from any safety-sensitive functions immediately. This action is mandated by safety regulations, as employees with elevated BAC levels pose a potential danger to themselves and others, particularly in safety-sensitive positions where impairment can lead to serious accidents or incidents.

Removing the employee from these functions for at least 24 hours helps ensure that they are not operating machinery, driving vehicles, or engaging in tasks that require full cognitive and physical abilities until they are sober. This proactive measure aligns with workplace safety protocols designed to protect the health and safety of all employees and the public.

Other responses may not adequately address the safety risks involved, as merely providing a warning or testing again does not address the immediate concern of potential impairment. Additionally, simply notifying a supervisor without taking further action could lead to unsafe situations in the workplace. Thus, the requirement to remove the employee from safety-sensitive duties is a critical step in ensuring a safe working environment.