Posted By Chris Rowley Hello all. I work in an training and rehabilitation environment where many of our trainees are drug addicts undergoing a rehabilitation program. Many of these ex addicts are prescribed Methadone to stabalise the effects of withdrawal. Does anyone know the effects that Methadone has on an individuals ability to perform safely in the workplace. My main concern would be the legal position for us if one of the trainees prescribed Methadone was to have or cause a serious accident carrying out a task that we have instructed them to do. Any references would be most appreciated. Chris

Posted By Wazza I must concur with Roger, however I would also suggest speaking with your insurers in the first instance to see what they deem as suitable. A similar question was raised by myself a couple of months ago, and my first port of call was asking a pharmacist then the insurance company, as generally a Dr from general practice is not likely to help. Hope it helps. Warren

Posted By Neil Pearson Interesting question. One important point is that it's your business to support addicts in this way. Giving them methadone is just a normal part of their treatment, as I understand it, regardless of any training. Is this correct? This reminds me of the Howlett's Zoo case. The court found that sending keepers in to get eaten by lions was not unlawful because it was the zoo's business to have a special closeness with the animals. If they reduced the risk, their business would be different. I think the same applies here, and you could almost regard the methadone as a "given", and assess the risks from there. If you assess the effects and take whatever steps you can to mitigate the risk then I can't see you being liable for an accident caused by the effects of the drug.