Drug And Alcohol Policy

How and why to create a drug and alcohol policy

Creating a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy is crucial for any organisation to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Such a policy helps in managing risks associated with substance use and provides clear guidelines and expectations for employees.

What is a drug and alcohol policy

A drug and alcohol policy is a formal document established by an organisation to set clear guidelines regarding the use of drugs and alcohol by its employees. This policy aims to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive work environment by outlining acceptable behavior, procedures for testing and dealing with substance use, and the consequences of policy violations.

Here’s a detailed explanation of what a drug and alcohol policy typically includes and its significance:

Components of a Drug and Alcohol Policy

Purpose and scope of the policy

• Purpose: To outline the company’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, ensuring safety, and complying with legal obligations.
• Scope: Defines to whom the policy applies (e.g., all employees, contractors, visitors) and where (e.g., on company premises, during work hours, at company-sponsored events).

Definitions

• Drugs: Includes illegal substances, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs.
• Alcohol: Beverages containing ethanol, such as beer, wine, and spirits.
• Impairment: Reduced ability to perform job duties safely and effectively due to substance use.

Prohibited conduct:

• Clearly states what behaviors are unacceptable, such as possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs, misuse of prescription drugs, and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work.

Drug and alcohol testing and screening

• Pre-employment testing: Screening potential employees for drug use as part of the hiring process.
• Random testing: Conducting unannounced drug and alcohol tests to deter substance use.
• For-cause testing: Testing when there is reasonable suspicion of substance use affecting job performance or safety.
• Post-incident testing: Testing employees involved in workplace accidents or incidents.

Support and resources

• Providing access to support services, and options for rehabilitation for employees struggling with substance abuse.

Things to think about when you are writing yout drug and alcohol policy?

Consequences of drug and alcohol policy violations: You will need to outlinine in the policy what disciplinary actions will be taken for policy violations, ranging from warnings to termination, and conditions for return to work after treatment.

Employee responsibilities: Employees’ obligation to comply with the policy, report violations, and cooperate with testing and investigations.

Employer responsibilities: The company’s duty to communicate the policy clearly, maintain confidentiality, and provide support resources.

Legal compliance: Ensuring the policy adheres to all relevant local laws regarding drug and alcohol use in the workplace. For up to date information in the UK the health and safety executive is a useful resource. Employers could be acting illegally if they are aware of drug or alcohol related problems in their workplace, and they fail to take action.

Policy acknowledgment: Requiring employees to sign an acknowledgment form confirming they have read, understood, and agree to the policy.

Review and updates: Commitment to regularly reviewing and updating your drug and alcohol policy to make sure that it is working and to change it if necessary to keep it effective and compliant with legal requirements. Drug use changes and so to must your drug and alcohol policy.