Purpose
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual's judgment and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring.
The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of all employees, workers, and visitors by having clear rules in place regarding the 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"
Principles
Scope
Rules
The Company's policy is that during working hours and at all times whilst on work premises employees must be free from the influence of drugs or alcohol. This will help to ensure the health and safety of employees and others with whom they come into contact, to maintain the efficient and effective operation of the business, and to ensure customers receive the service they require. For those reasons, the following rules will be strictly enforced.
No employee, worker or contractor shall -
*Whether an employee is fit for work is a matter for the reasonable opinion of management.
**Illegal drugs include but are not limited to heroin, cannabis/marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines
In addition, employees, workers or contractors must -
Contravention of these rules is gross misconduct and the Company will take disciplinary action for any breach of these rules, which may include summary dismissal. In the case of agency workers or contractors, services may be terminated immediately upon a breach of these rules.
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,( for example if there was a strong smell of alcohol on the person's breath), 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.
Help and support
The Company will endeavor to ensure that advice and help are made available to any employee who feels they have a problem with alcohol or drug misuse. In the first instance, individuals will be encouraged to seek help from their General Practitioner.
Under these circumstances and with the employee's consent, a referral will be made to the Occupational Health service. It may occasionally be necessary to request that the employee refrains from work temporarily, or undertakes restricted duties to ensure their own safety and that of others.
Any employee who seeks the assistance of the Company in finding treatment for a drugs or alcohol problem has the Company's complete assurance of confidentiality.
