Posted By S P Walsh Hi Something for you to chew over and any thoughts would be appreciated. I am health and safety officer for a medium sized public service. The majority of our staff are engaged in high risk, safety critical work, but some of our employees (approx 300) are employed in administrative back up functions which are office based. We are proposing to introduce pre-employment and with cause substance abuse testing. Whilst I do not have any concerns about pre-employment, the equality issues regarding 'with cause' is bothering me a bit. Specifically, those staff engaged in high risk activities who are more at risk from accidents will be subjected to tests on a more frequent basis than admin posts. Can this be justified as their job is more hazardous under equality legislation?

Posted By Kieran J Duignan S P The principle at issue is about risk management: where you justify higher risks, you have a responsibility (not only a right) to have stronger risk controls. To avoid legitimate claims about unfairness, make sure you administer impartially. Options include a. administration of tests to higher risk staff on a verifiably random basis b. administration of tests by staff not in line management roles over those tested, preferably chosen 'blind'