The use of drugs and alcohol by an employee is of serious concern to employers. As well as causing ill-health and absenteeism amounting to around £6.4 billion each year in the UK, drug misuse interferes with productivity and increases the chances of accidents. In fact, a regular drug or alcohol misuser can be 33% less productive and is 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work.

Drink and drug driving is of particular concern to employers with company vehicles and the reasons for this are not hard to understand. Employers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure employees never endanger the lives of others by driving under the influence. The statistics they face are terrifying:

• Up to 25% of workers under 30 use illegal drugs and 11% have driven under their influence
• 5% of workers are currently alcohol dependent; over 40% admit to drinking "heavily"

Almost 30% of drivers killed in road accidents are under the influence of illegal substances


So what CAN employers do?

• Review their Drug and Alcohol policy and ensure it encompasses driving
• Set clear rules and ensure these are detailed in the contract of employment
• Raise awareness through effective training

Introduce drug and alcohol screening tests carried out by a responsible, independent firm

For further information, contact Medi-Test. Medi-Test provide rapid, reliable, non-invasive tests for drugs and alcohol carried out by professional staff in mobile testing vehicles. www.meditestuk.com.

(KMcA)