Time to crack down on drugs and alcohol at work

27 November 2008

With the Government considering the introduction of measures to curb excessive speed and drug driving, businesses of every kind are being urged to ensure that they meet their own legislative requirements, particularly where company drivers are concerned. As well as roadside alcohol breath tests, excessive speeders are likely to be given Field Impairment Tests to identify those driving under the influence of drugs.
Cannabis and alcohol are probably the two most widely used drugs in the UK.

Time to crack down on drugs and alcohol at work

Lowering inhibitions and temporarily raising confidence, their initial effects can be “liberating”. However, both substances are known to reduce concentration and can slow a drivers’ response time quite significantly. They can also affect a person’s co-ordination and ability to steer and control a vehicle. Driving vehicles or operating machinery whilst under their influence is not only dangerous, it can be lethal.

Simon Truelove, General Manager at Grendonstar, one of the UK’s leading authorities on the problems associated with drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace, explained “Under the recent Corporate Manslaughter legislation, employers are required to look at their duty of care as well as the general health and safety aspects of their operation. To be on the right side of the law, this really must include reference to the misuse of drugs and alcohol at work and the implementation of an acceptable drugs and alcohol policy. As part of that policy, appropriate drugs and alcohol testing systems can then be used to ensure that drivers are fit to drive.”

Grendonstar helps organisations to meet their legislative responsibilities in an easy, effective and cost efficient manner. Providing a total solution partnership to many of the UK's leading employers, it offers an all encompassing service from writing and implementing policies through to carrying out management training. The company also offers a range of portable drug and alcohol testing devices as well as Interlock, an innovative breath alcohol measuring instrument complete with vehicle immobiliser.