Drug and alcohol misuse is becoming more prevalent in the workplace. Regular testing, within a drug and alcohol policy, can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of employees, with simple, non-invasive testing devices that can provide fast and discreet results. Mark Burrup, drug and alcohol testing expert at Draeger Safety UK, talks about the risks associated with substance misuse in the workplace and how to mitigate these risks to keep people safe.

Drug and alcohol abuse poses a serious safety issue for all businesses, but particularly so for those involved in safety critical roles such as electricians. In such scenarios, the misuse of drugs or alcohol – and even the effects of some prescription medications – has the potential to risk not only individual safety, but that of colleagues and members of the public, too.

In addition to the human cost, substance misuse across the UK results in billions of pounds in lost productivity and workdays, increased absenteeism and a substantially heightened risk of accidents. Impairment through drug and alcohol misuse can significantly affect judgement, slow reaction times and reduce hazard perception – dangerous for everyday tasks, but even more so for those handling tools and electrical equipment, where one mistake could cause serious injuries to themselves and others, as well as potential liability for their employer.

Side effects

Furthermore, it’s not just the use of illegal drugs which can pose safety risks; studies have shown that a combination of physical injuries and rising mental health issues in the industry has resulted in a significant increase in workers using prescribed drugs. While these treatments are beneficial, some – for example benzodiazepines, often prescribed for anxiety, have side effects which can cause dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision and reduced concentration, potentially compromising safety.

Dräger has recently partnered with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to publish a new Best Practice Guide to provide the information and tools needed for companies to act decisively to manage the problem of drug and alcohol misuse at work. Clear policies, supportive interventions, employee education and proportionate testing programmes all play a vital role. By taking a proactive, evidence based approach, employers can better protect their workforce, fulfil their legal obligations and broader duty of care, and help prevent avoidable harm.

Research undertaken as part of The Dräger Safety and Health at Work (DSHAW) Report 2022  showed that 83% of workers would comply with a corporate drug and alcohol testing programme as they believe it is in everyone’s interest to be safe at work. This suggests that the proactive approach now being taken by many organisations is increasingly in line with workforce concerns and expectations.

A well thought out drug and alcohol policy, which includes awareness of when prescription medication is being taken, is especially important where safety-critical tasks (as defined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)) or workplace driving are involved. A good policy will explain the risks and outline the strategy and controls adopted by the organisation to prevent – and where necessary manage – substance misuse among staff, while also being fair, transparent and consistent.

Screening programmes

Many companies are now carrying out or introducing in-house testing for alcohol and drugs, using simple non-invasive devices that are quick, discreet and easy to use. Breathalysers capable of analysing a person’s breath alcohol content are commonly used as part of screening programmes, and innovations such as the greater use of digital and connected technology, as well as data management software, make both recording and the management of test results and data much simpler.

In addition, as the requirement for more portable and discreet methods of drug testing has risen, there has been an increase in demand for saliva based drug screening kits. These can be used to screen for a range of drugs – including opiates, amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepines and THC (cannabis) – and give a reliable indication of recent drug use. Saliva based test kits also provide rapid results, allowing a manager to take immediate action to protect workplace safety – for example, by suspending the employee from work pending further investigation and testing.

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