Healthy at Work - Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drugs use can impair the performance of employees at work. In the worst extreme, this can affect the safety of the employee, other employees or members of the public. The term 'drugs' is often used loosely: it is usually assumed that it refers specifically to illegal drugs. However, prescribed medication can also be misused and use of legal substances such as glue or aerosols can affect fitness for work. However, alcohol is by far the biggest problem in the workplace and it should be the prime focus for employers.
Work-related alcohol misuse costs the economy up to £6.4 billion a year, with 17 million working days lost annually in England alone, due to alcohol related sickness.
5 easy steps an employer can take:
- Establish a policy and code of conduct for alcohol and substance misuse in the workplace, involving employee representatives
- Ensure that the policy makes it clear whether or not employees are allowed to consume alcohol at work, drink during working hours, or drink before attending work
- Make sure that the policy includes information about the level of support - including counselling or professional help - that an employee will receive if alcohol or drug problems are recognised
- Provide employees with information on the effects of alcohol and drugs and sources of support
- Review access to alcohol within the organisation - for example, at social functions or in social facilities
For more information, please see:
- |Health and Safety Executive's webpage on drugs and alcohol
- |Alcohol Concern's website
- |Talk to Frank's website (drugs advice)
- |Details on alcohol licensing
Local support is available from:
- |Surrey Drug and Alcohol Action Team's website
- Surrey Drug Care through its 24hr telephone helpline (01483 300112) or on its |website
