Objective
To address the risks associated with alcohol and drug misuse, ensuring workplace safety and supporting employees with dependency issues.
Policy Overview
- Establish clear guidelines regarding the use and possession of alcohol and
- Provide support for employees disclosing alcohol or drug
Key Definitions:
- Alcohol Dependence: “Habitual consumption of intoxicating liquor impairing an employee’s ability to work or endangering ”
- Drug Dependence: “Habitual use of non-prescribed drugs affecting work
performance or safety.”
Core Principles
- Equal and fair treatment of all employees under this
- Strict enforcement of alcohol and drug-related
- Support for employees seeking help with dependency
- Early disclosure of alcohol or drug-related illnesses encouraged to enable effective
- Confidential handling of all alcohol and drug-related
- Compliance with laws, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Applicability
- The policy applies to all employees, workers, and
- Misconduct involving alcohol or drugs is addressed under the disciplinary
Performance and attendance issues due to alcohol or drugs are managed under capability and sickness absence policies.
Standards of Conduct
To maintain a safe and productive workplace, the following rules apply:
Prohibited Behaviors
- Reporting to work while under the influence of alcohol, drugs (illegal or otherwise), or
- Possession of alcohol or illegal drugs on company
- Distribution of illegal drugs at
- Supplying alcohol to others, except as part of work duties (e.g., bartending).
- Consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or misusing substances during working
Note: Management will determine fitness for work. Illegal drugs include, but are not limited to, heroin, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines.
Employee Responsibilities
- Be aware of potential side effects from prescribed
- Notify management if medication side effects could affect work performance or
Breaching these standards constitutes gross misconduct, potentially leading to summary dismissal. For agency workers or contractors, services may be terminated immediately.
Immediate Response Measures
Employees suspected of being under the influence will be sent home immediately. Searches may be conducted per the Staff Search policy.
Possession or distribution of illegal drugs on company premises will be reported to law enforcement without exception.
Legal Compliance
The company reserves the right to involve law enforcement for employees found:
- Possessing illegal
- Engaging in drug
- Under the influence of illegal substances at
Support Framework
The company is committed to supporting employees facing alcohol or drug dependency.
Available Assistance
- Employees are encouraged to consult their General
- With consent, referrals to Occupational Health services will be
- Temporary adjustments or leave may be provided to ensure safety and
- Time off may be granted for attending treatment or support
Employees seeking help for substance misuse are assured confidentiality and comprehensive support. The company will facilitate access to resources for treatment and recovery.
By enforcing this policy, we aim to create a safe, supportive, and efficient workplace where issues of alcohol and drug misuse are managed professionally and effectively.
