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Posted By Steven Mellor
We are currently considering the introduction of alcohol and drug testing at work and I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has introduced such a scheme.
What are the pitfalls? How do you introduce such a scheme? Who is tested? Any example Procedures? What are the implications considering Human Rights issues and Data Protection?
Does the testing have to be carried out by a medical practitioner or can someone with the necessary training carry out the testing in-house?
Can anyone help?
I would be most grateful for any kind of feedback as it is one area in which I have never been involved and seems a very tricky subject indeed!
Cheers
Steve
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Delwynne
we introduced such a policy last year and generally have found it has been well accepted. We 'randomly' test 10% of the workforce every year and 'for cause' test anyone involved in a significant incident/accident.
All testing is carried out by an independant external organisation.
Things to watch is asking personnel to comply with this policy could be construed as a change of contract conditions. Your contracts should allow you to do this providing you follow the appropriate procedure for doing so (official communication channels etc), but well worth checking before you start.
As far as the human rights issue goes, I don't think many people could argue with the fact that having someone drunk or high at work affects everyone else both from a safety aspect and numerous other aspects. What a person does in their own time is obviously up to them but if it impacts on their ability to work safely and remain healthy it becomes your concern as well.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Steven Mellor
Delwynne thanks for the advice. Do you also carry out testing as part of teh induction process?
Steve
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Gary L
The main thing is to consult with employees at all stages of the policy development. If they haven't had input from the start your onto a loser!
Things to consider..
Which testing will be completed, whether random, "for Cause" or after an accident
What happens if someone refuses to be tested?
Disciplinary Procedures in the event of a positive test or a refusal
Will couselling be given in the event of a positive test?
What happens if your best salesman who brings in the most revenue tests positive?
Good luck, It gave us headaches for months!
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