Alcohol & Substance Abuse

Introduction

The Company aims to ensure that the use, or misuse, whether deliberate or otherwise of any form of alcohol, solvents, drugs or other substances (including prescribed medication) does not impair the safe and efficient running of the business or compromise health and safety.

Policy objectives

The Company does not condone the use of illegal substances or the misuse of alcohol or substances in any way. If an employee has a genuine problem for which they seek help, then the Company will endeavour to react sensitively and offer appropriate support.

Employees should be aware that the Company reserves the right to invoke the Disciplinary Procedure or to involve the relevant authorities at any point as it deems necessary.

If there is reasonable cause to believe that an employee is at work whilst under the influence of any of the above, the employee may be sent home as being unfit to perform their duties.

Occupational Health and/or the employee’s GP may be involved at any stage.

The Company reserves the right to invoke appropriate testing if it deems necessary. This includes random breathalyzer tests.

Employees have a responsibility to ensure that if any potential side-effects of prescription medication may impair their ability to carry out any part of their role, they make themselves aware of this and inform their manager immediately.