Drug & Alcohol Screening to detect Workplace substance abuse and misuse
Wright Medics conducts on-site Drug & Alcohol Testing on an ‘ad hoc’ and ongoing contractual basis for UK clients.
As part of our workplace drug and alcohol screening services, Wright Medics offer advice and assistance on how to best implement your substance abuse or misuse policy.
Here are some of the sectors where we offer Drug and Alcohol Screening Services:
- Construction sites
- Factories
- Warehouses
- Offices
90% cent of Human Resource Directors from top UK organisations believe that alcohol consumption was an issue for their organisation.
Most of them indicated that alcohol was a minor problem, but 17% believed that it was a major problem resulting in various problems, such as:
- Loss of productivity
- Lateness
- Safety concerns
- Poor performance and behaviour
- Poor team morale and employee relations
- An adverse effect on company image and customer relations.
Currently, workplace drug and alcohol testing is not a legal requirement.
However, employers and employees owe themselves, their colleagues and others a legal duty of care because of the effect such abuse can have on a business’s reputation, performance and safety.
The employer’s legal duty to ensure a safe workplace and systems for their staff is fundamental to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.
Due to the potential for Drug and or Alcohol misuse, we recommend setting rules with clear expectations concerning arriving at work under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the use of such substances whilst at work – and the actions that could result.
Employer Substance Abuse or Misuse Policy
Most UK employers have a Substance Abuse or Misuse Policy, with most construction and large processing facilities needing all operatives and sometimes, visitors to undertake Drug and or Alcohol Screening to obtain entry to the site. Many companies also use random testing or testing with cause.
Whilst not a legal requirement to undertake workplace-based drug and alcohol screening, if an employer knowingly allows an employee to be in the workplace whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they could be prosecuted.
Drug Testing, Urine Sample and Questionnaire
Our Drug Testing Service includes a short questionnaire followed by a urine sample (where appropriate), and typically provides an immediate indication for the presence of:
- Amphetamines and or Benzodiazepines
- Cannabis
- Cocaine/Methadone/Methamphetamines
- Opiate
- Ecstasy
- Tramadol
- Ketamine.
When we find a positive result, – we submit it to an independent Laboratory for re-evaluation.
Alcohol Breathalyser using Draeger AT-6810
We conduct our Alcohol Screening Service with a breath test using a Draeger AT-6810 machine (similar to the one used by many UK Police Forces).
Our fully-trained Wright Medics paramedics are certified to administer a breath test. We will ask you to take a deep breath and blow forcefully and evenly through the mouthpiece without touching the monitor. We express the result in ‘per mil’ units (grams per litre). The text usually takes 5 minutes.
Depending on the client’s policy, we may administer a second test after 20 minutes if the reading is above zero, even if it is below the Client’s stated alcohol limit. We do this to establish if levels are rising or falling.
Contact Wright Medics to discuss your requirements
There are several reasons why an employer may choose to implement a drug and alcohol screening policy for their employees.
The misuse of drugs and alcohol can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform their standard day-to-day activities, leading to reduced productivity, as well as increasing the risk of accidents, putting themselves and others at risk.
For accurate and certified drug and alcohol screening services, contact Wright Medics today!
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