City of Dayton may test employees for nicotine

The city of Dayton, one of downtown’s largest employers, may start testing workers for nicotine.

The city issued requests for proposals from companies that offer pre-employment medical exams and that offer drug, alcohol and nicotine testing services for city employees.

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Dayton is “endeavoring to be a tobacco or nicotine free employer, and city policy changes that are expected to occur during the term of this agreement may mandate future nicotine testing services,” according to a request for proposals issued this month.

“We are trying to get people not to smoke — it cuts years off your life,” Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley told this newspaper last week, before referring questions about the request for proposals to city management.

The city has about 1,900 employees, who are subject to “reasonable suspicion” drug and alcohol testing. About 1,000 of the city’s employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing under their collective bargaining agreements and certain provisions of state and federal law.

Clinical evidence that a worker abuses drugs or is an alcoholic can lead to administrative action and discipline, including termination.

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