Posted By Mitch It gives them wings, would it be the younger members of staff by any chance?

Posted By Paul Leadbetter Clare Shouldn't you deal with this under your drug and alcohol policy? Paul

Posted By holmezy Clare, I doubt if excess caffiene is a direct health risk whilst at work. Folks, usually of the younger variety, usually consume these sorts of "hi energy" drinks in order to stay awake or alert. What I would be worried about is what they are doing, taking, drinking etc in the own time that would give them the need to drink caffeine at a high rate. Get HR to remind them that they are (or should be) contractually bound to turn up for work in a fit state and that they should inform employers of any medical, mental or physical impairments that they may have. As Mitch says... it does give you "wings" or at least the Spanish Toro Rosso does, which is great when they are flapping, but what happens when the flapping stops and they crash and burn? Then the risks may be greater. Holmezy Pedigree and pork scratchings....nice....

Posted By Brett Day Jane Whilst in no way condoning this is may be worth while finding out why this is happening, to draw a parallel with my pre safety days I was involved with stage, theatre and events – the whole industry has a sex, drugs, rock n roll image for several reasons. One of these were the drugs especially on tour, as crew we rolled up at a venue at silly o’ clock in the morning, got set up, lights, sound then check, a few hours break (if we were lucky) and then on with the show, a bit of a break at the end whilst the audience cleared off then we ‘got out’, everything on the truck and off to the next venue. Do this for six months and crew often coped by either drugs / coffee or a combination. Not good but a response developed to cope. Others only did one tour a year and spent three months getting over it and another three doing a fairly lazy job. Does this department routinely have tight deadlines? Do they have higher than usual outputs off work (that whilst concern is raised about coffee intake, the extra output is welcomed by management); do they have high workloads to contend with? Any other issues (for example they are all avid clubbers and the coffee is the way of coping with work and clubbing)? It may be that there are issues that need to be dealt with before the coffee ‘addiction’ (for want of a better word). Just some thoughts, hope they are of use…

Posted By Rob T Clare, I see you said that "it is not healthy" but you haven't said whether it actually detrimentally affects their work. If it doesn't then I don't see it's anyone else's business if the substances are legal. I drink 10 cups of coffee a day and smoke about 40 cigarettes - that's none of the companies business really if it doesn't impact on my performance (and no it doesn't - I play rugby, and am quite happy with 5 mile runs, no high blood pressure, body mass index within accepted limits and more muscle than fat - and I'm 45). If it does affect work performance but not in an H&S way - then the appraisal may be the avenue to pursue.

Posted By CFT Clare An excellent source of information (if you really want to go into it), plus and minus. http://www.minddisorders...e-related-disorders.html It'll make em productive, or it should anyway. CFT

Posted By Pete48 Hi William, I suspect you would check for "wings" between the shoulder blades:):):) I know how to tell when I have not had my first cup of caffeine--err sorry coffee; but not how to check on exact levels consumed at any one time. Goodness this is getting like the thread on using your own car at work. I need a coffee--err caffeine.

Posted By MP ".......the whole industry has a sex, drugs, rock n roll image for several reasons" Not H&S industry then

Posted By Brett Day MP, If only !!!

Posted By Andy Petrie You can only do something if it can be shown to be affecting their job. I know of an instance of a train driver who'd had over ten cans of red-bull and was buzzing his head off, he had to be relieved of duty and given a warning as he was putting the safety of the train & passengers at risk. If there's no safety grounds, unlikely in an office, and they are doing there work then leave them to it.

Posted By William That is a good question, why do they feel the need to take stimulants at work, is it something to do with the type of work they are doing? Are they on shifts? Or is it a lifestyle/socialising issue?

Posted By William Hmm another caffeine abuser I suspect "MITCH PUT THE LATTE DOWN AND STEP AWAY"

Posted By Mitch William, I don't know whether I'm coming or going at the moment beta blocker with breakfast (prescription!) and coffee all day, my mood swings like a yo-yo!!! Thank the gods it's Friday pint and soggy crisps later. Mitch