Random tests on staff urged to tackle drink and drugs problems at work
A new report from the London Chamber shows that:
* Industry loses around £2bn a year through alcohol-related illnesses. Yet 43% of firms have no workplace alcohol and drugs policy.
* Workplace problems may result from staff getting drunk or taking drugs outside office hours as well as during them.
* Workers can test positive to an alcohol test 24 hours after a drinking session.
* Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgement, co-ordination and reaction, leading to the added risk of accidents.
* Workers are more likely to admit to a drink problem if they feel it will be dealt with as a health problem and not result in immediate disciplinary measures.
According to recent research, cited by the LCC:
* An estimated 14m working days are lost through alcohol-related illnesses.
* Up to 25% of workplace accidents are related to alcohol.
One in eight workers fear that a random alcohol test would put them over the limit.
* People with substance abuse problems are between two and eight times more likely to be absent from work for more than a week than those without such problems.
* One in 25 of the population are dependent on alcohol.
* 1.4m men and 0.5m women drink at dangerous levels.
* People with substance misuse problems are at least 25% less effective than ordinary workers.
* Illicit drug use has increased by 30% in the last seven years.
* 25% of drug users seeking help are in full-time employment.
Speaking ahead of a seminar today on the subject, Piers Merchant, Director of Campaigns at the London Chamber, said: “Substance abuse is a major issue for business especially with growing numbers of women developing drink problems. For firms there is the added risk of being prosecuted under health and safety legislation or sued as a result of an action by a worker suffering from the effects of drink or drugs.”
Relevant legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Employers should also be aware of duties under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Transport and Works Act 1992. Drivers of road vehicles must not be under the influence of alcohol while driving, attempting to drive or when they are in charge of a vehicle.
More information
Copies of the report “Tackling Alcohol in the Workplace” and “Tackling Drugs in the Workplace (due out later this year) are available from the London Chamber’s Occupational Health helpline on 020 7203 1871.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.
