Substance misuse leads to industrial accidents

17 March 2009

The safe installation and operation of plant and equipment within potentially explosive atmospheres is affected by a number of factors, the majority of which being related to the user. Today’s society relies more and more on drugs and alcohol during leisure activities and this can result in the misuse of these substances at work.

Substance misuse leads to industrial accidents

Ignoring this issue, especially in industrial environments, where drivers and machine operators are involved, can potentially lead to a serious accident and may even prove to be lethal. Statistics state that a regular drug user or alcohol misuser is 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work.

It is important for employers to act responsibly and address this concern and put inplace an effective workplace policy. Staff can be sure of a firm’s commitment to safety and, at the same time, be aware that they may be tested for drugs and alcohol whilst at work.

By addressing the drugs and alcohol issue employers are sending out two clear messages, firstly that the workplace is a no go area for users of drugs and alcohol and secondly that their employees can be sure of a safe place of work.

When managed and performed professionally, a drugs and alcohol testing programme can have a very positive influence on the organisation as a whole, bringing renewed confidence in an individual’s capabilities as well as heightened levels of trust. It will also help to demonstrate, externally, that the company’s processes and/or services can be relied upon - something that its’ suppliers and customers will also want to know.

A carefully written, successfully implemented drugs and alcohol misuse policy will not only demonstrate commitment to health and safety at work, it will also mean that routine tests can be performed to check for alcohol or drugs without falling foul of Human Rights issues.

As one of the UK’s leading authorities on the problems associated with drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace, 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.