Drug and alcohol testing is a systematic process used by employers to assess the presence of illegal substances or alcohol in the bodies of employees or job candidates. Alcohol and drug testing in the workplace is designed to promote a safe and efficient work environment by identifying individuals who may be impaired due to substance use. These tests can be conducted pre-employment, randomly during employment, or following incidents or accidents in the workplace.
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees’ health, safety, and welfare. This duty includes managing any health and safety risks posed by employees who may be under the influence of drink or drugs while at work or during working hours. By implementing drug and alcohol testing in the workplace, organisations can reduce the risks associated with impaired performance, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and promote safety among employees.
There may be a case for drug and alcohol screening, particularly in certain jobs (for example, employees who make safety-critical decisions like drivers, pilots, and some machinery operators). In jobs like these, the misuse of drugs or alcohol could have disastrous effects for the employee, colleagues, members of the public, and the environment. This means that you must take appropriate measures, where necessary, to ensure that your staff are not a danger to either themselves or others whilst working as a consequence of alcohol or drug use.
There are several ways of detecting the presence of drugs and alcohol in the body; however, the two most common testing methods used in the workplace are saliva and urine testing. Workers can’t be made to take a drugs test, but if they refuse when the employer has good grounds for testing, they may face disciplinary action.
Employers have a legal duty to protect employees’ health, safety, and welfare. Choose Occupational Health offers a comprehensive range of occupational health services, including drug and alcohol testing. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you maintain a safe work environment for your employees through drug and alcohol testing, ensuring they can perform their duties effectively while minimising health risks. We offer a wide range of testing to suit the needs of any company.
If your business requires drug and alcohol testing or occupational health support, speak to our team at Choose Occupational Health today by calling 01228 513687.
