Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual’s judgement and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring. Alcohol and drug abuse problems can also have a detrimental effect on work performance and behaviour.
The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of all employees, contractor and visitors by having clear rules in place regarding use and possession of alcohol and drugs, and to support those who have reported a problem with alcohol or drug dependence.
For the purpose of the policy, alcohol dependence is defined as:
“The habitual drinking of intoxicating liquor by an employee, whereby the employee’s ability to perform his/her duties is impaired or his/her attendance at work is interfered with, or he/she endangers the safety of others”.
Drug dependence is defined as:
“The habitual taking of drugs by an employee other than drugs prescribed as medication, whereby the employee’s ability to perform his/her duties is impaired, or his/her attendance at work is interfered with, or he/she endangers the safety of others”.
Policy Provisions
- Employees may not consume alcohol or any unlawful drugs in the workplace during work time or during a period prior to work where they may still be under the influence of alcohol and drugs effects, which may carry over to the working hours. This includes business functions where the employee is representing the Company.
- No employee shall be in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace.
- No employee should try to report to work when unfit due to alcohol or drugs.
- No employee shall supply others with illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace.
- Employees who are taking prescription drugs should ensure that they are aware of any side effects and advise their manager or a member of the management team immediately of any side effects of prescription drugs, which may affect work performance or the health and safety of themselves or others.
- Disciplinary rules, enforced through disciplinary procedures, where use of alcohol or drugs (other than on prescription) affects performance or behaviour at work (see enforcement below).
General policy provisions
- This policy applies to all employees.
- All employees will be treated consistently and fairly in line with this policy and all matters concerning alcohol and drugs shall be treated as confidential.
- This policy will be communicated to all employees at induction and the policy will be made available on the intranet and / or employee handbook.
- The Company will raise awareness of alcohol or drug issues in the workplace and will provide signposting to employees of the support that is available. This awareness raising will include providing information leaflets, information on staff notices boards and /or be included on the wellbeing pages on the intranet.
- All Managers will receive training on how to identify, deal with and provide support to staff that may have alcohol and drug issues.
Enforcement
The policy on alcohol and drugs will be strictly enforced.
Disciplinary action in accordance with the Company disciplinary procedures will be undertaken where breaches of the policy occur. In the case of agency workers or contractors, services may be terminated immediately upon a breach of the policy.
When there is reasonable belief that an individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs on reporting for work or during the course of work, they must be sent home immediately. In addition, possession of or dealing in illegal drugs on Company premises will, without exception, be reported to the Police.
It is recognised the policy has limitations. If an employee fails to co-operate in referral or treatment no special assistance will be given and any failure in work performance and behaviour will be dealt with through disciplinary procedures.