Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of introducing a drug and alcohol policy and testing?
- I have no means of implementing a drug and alcohol policy.
- I know most of the people who work here, there are no drug or alcohol abusers in this workforce.
- We can't implement a drug and alcohol policy because of the Union.
- Our health and safety policy does not really cover drink and drug related issues, most companies don't bother as it is very difficult to know what to include and how to administer it correctly.
- We don't have a doctor or nurse on site and these tests are complicated so will they stand up in a tribunal/court?
- I recognise the need for testing but it is an expensive process.
It is a proven, low-cost strategy, which identifies those needing help, reduces demand, cuts down on accidents and sickness leave, reduces compensation claims, improves attendance and increases productivity.
"Drug abuse makes the user 33% less productive, 3 times as likely to be late, four times as likely to hurt others at work or themselves, five times as likely to sue for compensation and ten times as likely to miss work."
This is a common statement from many health and safety and personnel professionals in Industry. The health and safety policies exist and people are aware of the need to be responsible for themselves and their colleagues, but little if any, attention is drawn to the very real hazards of drink and drug related work accidents. Historically no action is taken to secure the work place against habitual users.
"11% of all injuries sustained in the workplace, are attributed to alcohol and/or drug misuse"
This is another common statement, but if the police suspect that one in five road accidents are caused by drug related problems and one in seven deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal drink drive limit, can there really be no abusers in your workforce?
"43% of people surveyed in the 1994 crime survey were reported to have consumed an illegal substance in their lives (14% within the last month)."
Wrong, the Trade Unions strongly back a responsible drug and alcohol policy. With the emphasis on education and rehabilitation, you will enhance the employee/employer relationship.
"The TUC, along with the Institute of Personnel and Development, Institute Of Directors, HSE and the Police, have all recently endorsed a national initiative for business and industry, to acknowledge the problem of substance abuse in the workplace and to develop policies based on welfare principles"
Simple, with our extensive experience in this field, we can write a bespoke policy for you in a matter of weeks and provide a comprehensive implementation, training and educational package.
"In the United States up to 90% of companies regularly use pre-employment, for cause and random substance testing, whilst in the UK the government has started encouraging drug and alcohol testing by UK employers."
Our own fully trained and competent collection officers can be provided either via prior arrangement or on a 24/7/365 call out (attendance on site within 2 hr response time). We can even train your own staff in the collection processes and Chain of Custody. All products we use or sell are FDA and/or CE approved and some are also Home Office approved. Our focus is on quality. All our ISO 9001/2008 processes are legally defensible and we have never been successfully challenged in court or tribunal. All of our Point of Care screening products meet strict high standards, whilst scientific analysis of samples, are conducted by our ISO17025 UKAS or European equivalent accredited laboratory services.
"Failure to have the right training and maintaining competency, and/or using cheap and often inferior equipment (or equipment that is not fit for purpose) will result in a sub-standard drug and alcohol testing programme. You will only find this out when things go wrong and you are faced with a very expensive tribunals or legal challenges. It is important to get it right from the start or you will end up not only worse off financially, but also with a demoralised workforce with no confidence in your Drug and Alcohol Policy."
Wrong! Testing can often be very inexpensive if done correctly and most companies who adopt a policy benefit from a number of visible and hidden cost savings: lower absenteeism, greater productivity and fewer costly incidents etc. The average cost of an employee tribunal can run into £20000-£30000 never mind the management time required. What is the cost of a life lost through an accident? What is the cost of claims and legal expenses due to accidents or incidents? Corporate manslaughter / Corporate homocide? The question might be, can you afford not to introduce a policy?
"£3 Billion per year, is the estimated cost to British industry from drug and alcohol related problems."
Over the past years, ScreenSafe UK have taken part in hundreds of consultation processes and delivered hundreds of employee briefings for our customers about the introduction of their Drug and Alcohol Policies etc. During this time we have collated a number of the most relevant FAQ's asked by employees etc. We are happy to make these available to all new customers.
If you have any further questions or you wish to discuss general or specific details then please contact our friendly and professional customer service team on 08450 505590 or via email (enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk). All enquiries are strictly confidential.
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DOs and DON'Ts Leaflet |
