Alcohol and drug abuse have become a significant problem in the UK, with an estimated 7.4% of adults aged 16-59 having used an illicit drug in the last year, and 29% of adults drinking at levels that could harm their health. This presents a major concern for employers as substance abuse can affect an employee’s productivity, work quality, and increase the likelihood of workplace accidents.
In this article we look at how implementing an alcohol and drug policy, and routinely testing employees at random can be proactive measures that organisations can take to protect their employees, customers, and the overall business.
Why an alcohol and drug policy is necessary?
An alcohol and drug policy is a formal document that outlines an organisation’s expectations regarding alcohol and drug use in the workplace. The policy is typically divided into three sections: prevention, intervention, and consequences.
The prevention section is designed to educate employees about the dangers of substance abuse and the organisation’s expectations regarding alcohol and drug use.
The intervention section outlines the steps that an organisation will take if an employee is found to be using drugs or alcohol in the workplace.
The consequences section outlines the penalties that an employee will face if they violate the organisation’s alcohol and drug policy.
Implementing an alcohol and drug policy in the workplace is necessary for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps to maintain a safe work environment. Employees who use drugs or alcohol in the workplace are more likely to cause accidents, which can result in injury or death. For example, an employee who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be more likely to operate machinery or equipment incorrectly, leading to accidents that could harm other employees or customers.
Secondly, it can increase productivity. Employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to be absent from work, have lower productivity levels, and make more mistakes. This can result in a decrease in overall productivity and an increase in the number of errors made by employees.
Thirdly, implementing an alcohol and drug policy can help to protect an organisation’s reputation. If an employee is found to be using drugs or alcohol in the workplace, this can reflect poorly on the organisation as a whole. Customers and clients may lose faith in the organisation’s ability to provide a safe and reliable service, which could result in a loss of business.
Fourthly, it can help to reduce healthcare costs. Substance abuse can lead to a range of health problems, which can be costly to treat. By implementing an alcohol and drug policy, an organisation can help to reduce healthcare costs by promoting healthy behaviour among its employees.
Why routine testing is necessary?
While an alcohol and drug policy is an important step in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, routine testing is also necessary. Routine testing involves randomly selecting employees and testing them for drugs and alcohol. The tests can be conducted through urine, saliva, or hair samples. Routine testing can be an effective way to deter employees from using drugs or alcohol in the workplace, as they know that they may be tested at any time.
Routine testing is necessary for several reasons.
Firstly, it can help to identify employees who are struggling with substance abuse. Substance abuse can be difficult to detect, and some employees may be able to hide their drug or alcohol use from their colleagues and managers. Routine testing can help to identify these employees and provide them with the support and assistance that they need to overcome their addiction.
Secondly, routine testing can help to deter employees from using drugs or alcohol in the workplace. Employees who know that they may be tested at any time are less likely to use drugs or alcohol in the workplace. This can help to maintain a safe and healthy work environment, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Thirdly, routine testing can help to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity. Employees who are struggling with substance abuse are more likely to be absent.
Fourthly, routine testing can help to protect an organisation’s liability. If an employee causes an accident or injury while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the organisation may be held liable for damages. Routine testing can help to mitigate this risk by identifying employees who are using drugs or alcohol and taking steps to address the issue before it leads to an accident or injury.
Finally, routine testing can help to promote a culture of safety and accountability in the workplace. When employees know that their colleagues are being tested for drugs and alcohol, they are more likely to take responsibility for their own actions and ensure that they are not putting themselves or others at risk. This can help to create a workplace where safety is a top priority and everyone is working together to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Potential objections to routine testing
While routine testing can be an effective way to promote a safe and healthy work environment, there are some potential objections that may need to be addressed.
Firstly, some employees may feel that routine testing is an invasion of their privacy. It is important to communicate to employees that the testing is not meant to be punitive or invasive, but rather a proactive measure to promote safety and productivity in the workplace.
Secondly, some employees may be concerned that the testing is not accurate or reliable. It is important to use testing methods that are scientifically validated and have a high degree of accuracy. It is also important to ensure that the testing is conducted by trained professionals who can interpret the results accurately.
Thirdly, some employees may be concerned that routine testing may lead to false positives or discriminate against certain groups of people. It is important to use testing methods that are sensitive to individual differences and to have clear policies in place for addressing false positives or other issues that may arise.
Summary
Implementing an alcohol and drug policy, and routinely testing employees at random, can be an effective way for organisations in the UK to promote a safe and healthy work environment. Substance abuse can have a significant impact on employee productivity, work quality, and safety, as well as the overall reputation of the organisation.
By implementing an alcohol and drug policy and routine testing, organisations can take proactive steps to address these issues and promote a culture of safety and accountability in the workplace. While there may be some objections to routine testing, these can be addressed through clear communication and a commitment to using reliable and sensitive testing methods.
Overall, an alcohol and drug policy and routine testing can be a valuable investment in the safety, productivity, and success of any organisation.
Case Study
Assured Safety Services Ltd is a leading provider of workplace alcohol and drug testing services in the UK. Recently, we worked with a large, national logistics and delivery business to implement a workplace testing program for its drivers. The delivery business had identified concerns about the potential risks associated with alcohol and drug use among its drivers, and was committed to taking proactive steps to address these concerns.
Assured Safety Services Ltd worked closely with the delivery business to develop a customized testing program that would meet the company’s specific needs and requirements. The program included both pre-employment testing and random testing of existing employees. Testing was conducted using reliable and sensitive methods to ensure accurate results. The testing program had a number of positive impacts on the delivery business.
Firstly, it helped to promote a culture of safety and accountability among the drivers. Knowing that they could be tested at any time, drivers were more likely to take responsibility for their own actions and ensure that they were not putting themselves or others at risk. This helped to create a safer and more productive work environment.
Secondly, the testing program helped to identify drivers who were using drugs or alcohol and take steps to address the issue. In some cases, drivers were able to seek help for substance abuse issues and return to work in a healthier and more productive state. In other cases, drivers who refused to participate in testing or who tested positive were removed from their positions, helping to protect the company from liability and ensuring that only safe and responsible drivers were on the road.
Overall, the testing program implemented by Assured Safety Services Ltd helped the delivery business to promote safety, productivity, and accountability among its drivers. By taking proactive steps to address the risks associated with alcohol and drug use, the company was able to create a safer and more successful workplace for its employees and customers alike.
Workplace Alcohol and Drugs Testing in Birmingham, West Midlands
Do you need an employee alcohol and drugs testing facility in Birmingham, West Midlands?
Need advice on policy formation or implementation?
Get in touch with Assured safety Services Ltd who are based in Birmingham, West Midlands. Speak with one of our experienced consultants on 0121 769 1796, alternatively, use the contact form for a call back when convenient for you.
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References:
Paulo H. Marques, Vasco Jesus, Serafín A. Olea, Valter Vairinhos, Celeste Jacinto,
The effect of alcohol and drug testing at the workplace on individual’s occupational accident risk, Safety Science, Volume 68, 2014, Pages 108-120, ISSN 0925-7535,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2014.03.007.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925753514000769