Nick Edwards, General Manager of Medi-Test is exploring a new perspective on the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act.

The introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act earlier this year has focused the attitudes of businesses on their health and safety obligations. With the threat of unlimited fines or publicity orders, many organisations have looked closely at their company drivers, their vehicles and the journeys they take.

The law does not impose new requirements on businesses; it is based on the existing duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act. However, it has offered an ideal opportunity for employers to take a critical look at the management of risks and this will undoubtedly result in a significant improvement in corporate road safety.

It is estimated that there are 200 at-work road deaths and serious injuries per week and that company drivers are 40% more likely to have an accident than private drivers are so any improvement is welcome.

While many businesses are looking at improving the maintenance of their fleet and the driving skills of their employees, it should not be forgotten that the driver being under the influence of drugs or alcohol causes 18% of all fatal accidents on British roads.

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Drug and Alcohol testing has traditionally been more common for very large, global organisations but smaller companies are now recognising the benefits. Drug use has been found to cause serious problems for employers in the UK.

Regular drug users are 3.5 times more likely to have or cause an accident - if this happens on the road the consequences can be severe.

If the employee is found to be intoxicated, they personally will face prosecution but under the new Act, you or your managers could also be held responsible. The Courts will be looking at management systems and practices across the entire organisation rather than simply the actions of individuals. A drug and alcohol-screening programme will demonstrate you are taking proper steps to meet your legal duties.

Medi-Test's legally defensible oral fluid drug analysis can be offered at random, after workplace incidents, where there is suspicion, pre employment or at mandated times for all employees. A strict chain of custody is maintained to ensure that the results relate to a specific sample provided by a particular individual.

However, our real expertise lies in providing a tailored management solution for the problems that drug and alcohol bring to the whole working environment. We have found that customers who introduced comprehensive Drug and Alcohol solutions have benefited immediately from a reduction in the number of workplace accidents and near misses. By demonstrating their commitment to employee safety, they have also seen additional benefits in the form of greater staff productivity, increased morale and a reduction in absenteeism and lateness.

A robust drug and alcohol policy is key; together with the procedures to control the risks. Medi-Test can help you prepare and implement a policy that meets your specific requirements. We can work with you to offer Drug & Alcohol Awareness Sessions for your workforce and programmes for your managers and supervisors to help them recognise and deal with problem situations.

There are huge savings to be made:

Regular Drug users are:

• 2.5 times more likely to be absent from work
• 33% less productive
• 50% more likely to steal from their employer