DRUGS

[SKIPPYG]

One of our clients has informed us that we are to sign up the provided docs so that they can if so wishing test for drug / booze in the system during working hours.

No other info provided.
Have wrote asking for more detail.

What is the normal method for testing??
Any potential pitfalls that I should be on the look out for.

Serious aside, things will need to be calibrated for the tests so I am considering making myself available for the boozy bit.

Garry y y y y y fully calibrated

[Alexis]

Skippy, my take on this is that there has to be cause for drugs testing in the workplace, it has to be stated on the COE and it has to have the permission of the individual before it can be carried out!

[Coolcat]

Skippy
Alcohol is done by using a breatherliser like the police have, as long as it is calibrated can be used by a trained person. Drug testing is normally done by a wee test first and if this is positive gets sent off to a lab. Due to the checks need to be made then this is done by a specialist ie occupational nurse. There should be a D&A policy in place stating that there will be testing and what type ie random, after an accident etc.

As Alexis says you do need the permission of the individual, then consideration needs to be given if someone refuses, it is a bit of a minefield.

[SKIPPYG]

Cheers for the pointers, I see that there is a possible minefield ahead. Shall be digging a bit deeper to see the full picture. As they are a national company and a good customer we shall tread careful. .santa

Garry

[Frankie C]

Skippy,
Have a look at this information on the HSE website here:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs/

You may find it to be of use.
Regards,
Frankie C

[Phil]

Working as a contractor on the railway I am subject to the same Drugs and alcohol policy as other safety critical workers. Random testing (Breathalyser or urine test) can be carried out at any time and a positive result means the sack. Refusal to take the test is treated as a positive result. This is backed up by stringent application of the policy on all drugs, including prescription drugs, for track and safety critical workers who have to declare all drugs used and have them cleared by OHS.

I have been subject to a few random tests of which the first I know is being told to show up at a location for testing as soon as I sign on for work. As far as I am aware there have never been any problems. All staff fully understand the policy, why it is in place and the penalties for getting it wrong. Of course implementation is made easier in the rail industry by virtue fo teh fact that doing certain jobs under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offence under section 27 of the Transport and Works Act 1992

[Messy]

My employers - a local authority fire service- are introducing a new drugs and alcohol policy on Jan 1st. This will include random testing.

One major concern for many is the maximun limit at which they've set the alcohol test : 30mg per 100 mg. This is less than half of the legal driving limit of 80mg and many of my colleagues are concerned about the morning after results.

This makes a bizzare scenerio possible where an individual fails a workplace alcohol test but is legally allowed to drive home after being suspended.

So is 30mg too low or a a H&S industry standard?

If not, does anyone know what levels have been set elsewhere (eg the construction rail and airline industries)?

[Phil]

Network rails limit is 29mg per 100ml.

[Stew 1000]

I'm with Phil on the drink and drugs testing,

I used to work in the rail industry and like Phil i was also subject to the testing routines. I have seen staff sacked for failure and its not nice, but you know the deal when you sign up. It was never a problem for me, i love a drink or ten but i knew that if i had work the following day it was a no, no or in moderation.

I guess its just up to the individual as to how they manage their social life.

[Safetyrail]

I also have drink and drug testing Iv been told that the company are meant to test 5% of the company random but in the seven yrs iv been there iv never had a random test. I had a test when I first started and when I got promotion. It becomes a pain due to having to work every other Sunday you get used to it in the end.

Safetyrail

[gorgeous-girl]

This IS a minefield. There must be a clear procedure in place to deal with people who refuse a test, those who test positive. It must be crystal clear if a positive test will result in dismissal so that every employee is fully aware.

My previous employer had difficulties in this area as, when an employee admitted being on drugs, their legal advisors told them that they couldn't dismiss him, as that would be discrimination(!!).

I would suggest that you let your legal advisors look at any policy you are given or intend to impose, to get their opinion on where you stand.

[gorgeous-girl]

You may want to read this link. Food for thought.
http://www.hazards.org/testingtimes/imp ... inking.htm
I am not going to pass judgement on the opinion of the article writer, but it is more fuel for the debate.