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DRUGS & ALCOHOL

 

Overview:

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual’s judgement and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring. Alcohol and drug abuse problems can also have a detrimental effect on work performance and behaviour.

The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of all employees, contractor and visitors by having clear rules in place regarding use and possession of alcohol and drugs, and to support those who have reported a problem with alcohol or drug dependence. 

For the purpose of the policy, alcohol dependence is defined as: 

"The habitual drinking of intoxicating liquor by an employee, whereby the employee's ability to perform his/her duties is impaired or his/her attendance at work is interfered with, or he/she endangers the safety of others". 

Drug dependence is defined as: 

"The habitual taking of drugs by an employee other than drugs prescribed as medication, whereby the employee's ability to perform his/her duties is impaired, or his/her attendance at work is interfered with, or he/she endangers the safety of others". 

This policy is designed to comply with relevant legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 

Policy Provisions

  1. Employees may not consume alcohol or any unlawful drugs in the workplace during work time or during a period prior to work where they may still be under the influence of alcohol and drugs effects which may carry over to the working hours. This includes business functions where the employee is representing the Company. Special rules may apply in relation to alcohol, where the Company sponsors an event for staff e.g. the Christmas party. In these circumstances any variation to the no-alcohol policy will be communicated in advance of the event. 

  2. No employee shall be in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace.

  3. No employee should try to report to work when unfit due to alcohol or drugs.

  4. No employee shall supply others with illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace. 

  5. Employees who are taking prescription drugs should ensure that they are aware of any side effects and advise their manager or a member of the management team immediately of any side effects of prescription drugs, which may affect work performance or the health and safety of themselves or others

The Company policy involves two approaches.

·       Providing reasonable assistance to the member of staff with an alcohol or drug abuse problem who is willing to co-operate in treatment for that problem (see help and support below)

·       Disciplinary rules, enforced through disciplinary procedures, where use of alcohol or drugs (other than on prescription) affects performance or behaviour at work ( see enforcement below)

General policy provisions

  • This policy applies to all employees.

  • All employees will be treated consistently and fairly in line with this policy and all matters concerning alcohol and drugs shall be treated as confidential. 

  • This policy will be communicated to at induction and in the company handbook.  This policy will also be issued as a toolbox talk.

  • All Managers will receive training on how to identify, deal with and provide support to staff that may have alcohol and drug issues.  

Note:

Prescribed Drugs

The most common side effect of over-the-counter cold and flu medicine is drowsiness, which reduces a person’s level of alertness and increases reaction time. Tens of thousands of vehicle accidents are attributed to sleepiness every year. Fatigue is a factor in nearly one third of HGV accidents where the driver is killed.

Taking medication, and then coming to work and using machinery or sharp tools, can be dangerous. In many cases, we do not want you to show up for work when you have a bad cold or the flu. Not only does your risk of injury increase when a medication causes you to be drowsy, your productivity is likely to be poor as well.

In addition, you may pass on a virus to co-workers so that they too become ill.

Finally, your own recovery may be delayed if you are not getting enough rest to fight the ailment. However, sometimes you must come to work and you need to take medication. If this is the case, remember the following:

  • Let your supervisor know.

  • Follow the recommended dosages.

  • Do not mix medications.

  • Read the label.

  • Do not try new remedies during work hours.

  • Wash your hands often

 

You Must:

  • Never come to work under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.

  • Never bring alcohol or prohibited drugs to work or consume them at work.

  • Inform your manager if you have to take any medication which may affect your work.

 

 

Remember:

Working for us at CTS means you likely be working in a high-risk environment when it comes to health & safety of yourself and others, whether it is directing vehicles on-site, controlling pedestrian crossings or working as a ‘stop and go’ operative, you will be working with a lot of heavy vehicles, plant and equipment, so it is imperative you are fully alert and vigilant when it comes to the environment you are working in. 

Working under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is strictly prohibited, which CTS will treat as gross misconduct - Which following a disciplinary hearing could lead to instant dismissal, without notice.

Sources of External Support

Alcohol Dependence 

 

Drinkline

Helpline: 0800 917 8282

Drinkline runs a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their own drinking, or someone else's.

 

NHS Choices Website

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Alcohol-misuse/Pages/Introduction.aspx

National Health Service advice page.

 

Drinkaware

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/

Drinkaware works to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK.

 

Addaction

http://www.addaction.org.uk/default.asp

Addaction is the UK's leading drug and alcohol charity, helping over 40,000 people a year to recover from their addiction problems.

 

Al-Anon

http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk

Provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not.

 

Alcoholics Anonymous Great Britain

http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

AA is an organisation of men and women who share their experience with each other hoping to solve their problems and help others to recover from alcoholism.

 

Drug Dependence 

NHS Choices Website

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/drugs/Pages/Drugtreatment.aspx

National Health Service advice page.

 

Addaction

http://www.addaction.org.uk/default.asp

Addaction is the UK's leading drug and alcohol charity, helping over 40,000 people a year to recover from their addiction problems.

 

Talk to Frank

http://www.talktofrank.com/

National drugs awareness site for young people and parents/carers.

 

Narcotics Anonymous

http://ukna.org/

Helpline for the UK: 0300 999 1212

N.A. is a non-profit fellowship of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Membership is open to anyone with a drug problem seeking help, regardless of what drug or combination of drugs have been used, and irrespective of age, sex, religion, race, creed or class. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs.

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