Why test for drugs and/or alcohol ?

The Health & Safety Monitor reported in November 1992 that drugs in the workplace cost British businesses between £600 and £800 million every year in lost sales, accident claims, property damage, high absenteeism and theft. Since then these sums have spiralled. The worst of it is that people who have a drug or alcohol problem do not conform to any pre-determined stereo-types. The well-groomed, intelligent person that you would least suspect of having a problem could be badly affecting your profits and endangering other employees. These people could be driving your company vehicles or operating expensive and possibly dangerous machinery.

As well as poor job performance, studies of drug testing within large commercial organisations showed that employees who tested positive for any drug were almost twice as likely to be absent from work, and have a much higher employee turnover rate than those who tested negative.

Although an employer can train managers to learn to detect signs of drug or alcohol abuse, such as slurred speech or odor of alcohol, this approach is questionable and can only be of use in establishing suspicion. Drugs such as cocaine and marijuana can have serious and immediate effects on judgement and motor ability, but they often cannot be discerned, even by a trained observer.

Employers are increasingly using drug and alcohol testing as part of a drug and alcohol free workplace policy. Employers should ensure that applicants and current emp

loyees are aware that drug and/or alcohol testing is part of their conditions of employment. Without an effective drug and alcohol policy the company may be inadvertently condoning the misuse of drugs and alcohol. Companies cannot legally “turn a blind eye”. The company’s drug and alcohol policy should include the steps to be taken when a test is proved positive.How testing is performed

Drug testing is performed by urinalysis, and alcohol testing by using either saliva or urnine samples. These forms of testing do not constitute an unduly extensive imposition on an individual’s personal privacy and bodily integrity. Only the positive test results, which usually constitute a small percentage of the samples, may need to be sent to the laboratory for confirmation.

Testing for drugs and/or alcohol can easily be integrated into an existing health-care programme and so can be performed without loosing any extra “down-time”.

Advantage of on –site drug testing

Starting at AMS uses should now read AMS use the Wyatt Biotech Fingerprint Testing device. This unique Non invasive technology is easy and convenient to use. It is easily administered by Non Medical personnel or we can provide staff to carry out these procedures on your behalf.

The device has a sample collection reservoir which eliminates the need for a second sample should there be a need for secondary laboratory confirmation. This can be carried out at an independent UKAS accredited laboratory.

We would be pleased to provide further information and guidance on developing a drug and alcohol policy for your work place.

For more information on these services, please see Wyatt Biotech