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Personnel: Safety, Hygiene + Development
News Release from: Grendonstar | Subject: Drugs and alcohol misuse at work
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 26 September 2006
A solution to avoiding drugs and alcohol
at work
How can employers be sure that their employees are safe from the effects of drugs and alcohol misuse at work? Grendonstar offers a positive solution to the problem
How can employers be sure that their employees are safe from the effects of drugs and alcohol misuse at work? Grendonstar offers a positive solution to the problem With an ever increasing number of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, how can employers be sure that their employees are safe from the effects of drug and alcohol misuse at work? In light of a British Crime Survey report stating that more than a million people in England and Wales use Class A drugs, and half a million do so regularly, Grendonstar, independent consultants with a track record in solving the drugs and alcohol at work problem, positively, says it is not surprising that more and more companies are introducing drugs and alcohol policies in the workplace
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 9 Feb 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Drugs and alcohol misuse at work
Established in 1996 Grendonstar is now one of the UK's leading authorities on the problems associated with drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace
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Simon Truelove, a specialist at Grendonstar comments, "Wherever machinery is used or employees are required to drive any form of vehicle, employers have a duty of care to ensure that each and every employee is safe.
Obviously there is a Human Rights issue and employers cannot dictate what their employees do in their spare time but anyone who arrives at work under the influence of drugs or alcohol could be described as a drug or alcohol misuser".
He explains, "Drug or alcohol misusers do not conform to any stereotype but the effects of their misuse can pose a serious threat to the safety of both themselves and their work colleagues and, where industrial accidents are concerned, the consequences can lead to serious injury and may even prove to be lethal.
Further reading
What is misuse of drugs and alcohol at work?
There is a growing awareness amongst employers that the misuse of alcohol and drugs at work can be a very serious hazard to users as well as their colleagues
'Interlock' helps prevent drink driving at work
The Interlock is a device fitted as an integral part of a vehicle ignition system, and is designed to stop any fleet vehicle being started if the driver is monitored as over the alcohol limit
Drink or drugged driving? Employers can be liable
With a reduced drink drive limit and with random roadside breath tests, plus harder crack-downs on drugged drivers, there has never been a better time to introduce a drugs and alcohol policy at work
In fact, a regular drug user or alcohol misuser is 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work, is 3 times more likely to have sick leave, 5 times more likely to claim compensation, can be 33% less productive and 10 times more likely to be late".
Designed to improve safety, maximise staff retention and minimise lost productivity, the Grendonstar policy combines staff welfare and employee welfare issues with the need to meet current health and safety legislation.
Tried and tested in a wealth of industries, this straightforward approach to the avoidance of drug and alcohol at work is based on a positive philosophy that both educates and motivates staff whilst providing invaluable assistance to management.
Accidents, lateness and absenteeism can all be reduced, and productivity and staff morale can be greatly improved.
Truelove adds, "With new Corporate Manslaughter legislation on the horizon, there has never been a better time to introduce a drugs and alcohol policy at work.
The police, shipyard, air traffic control, logistics, warehousing, construction and plant hire are just some of the organisational types that have recently introduced drink and drug testing in a bid to improve safety as well as performance".
As independent consultants with a successful track record in providing a total solution, Grendonstar is able to assess the risks associated with drug and alcohol misuse within the business and can evaluate current resources, culture and attitudes.
Following consultation at all levels, a corporate policy can then be developed and publicised.
As part of the process, a programme of awareness and training is created for all employees, and all those with problems are encouraged to seek help.
Management training is also provided and, once implemented, the policy can be monitored and procedures amended on an on-going basis using the Grendonstar specially developed Key Performance Indicators.
If required, procedures for testing can also be established.
Grendonstar Distribution forms part of the Key Group of Companies.
Specialising in specific employment issues, the Key Group encompasses recruitment, occupational health, staff welfare, sales support and financial planning services - everything, in fact, that an organisation needs to select, maintain and retain its most valuable asset, its people.
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