Protect your business from substance misuse with effective awareness training and a robust drug and alcohol policy

WARRINGTON, October 13th 2022 – Alcohol and drug misuse is widespread in our society. So, it’s hardly surprising that it significantly impacts businesses across every sector.

The effects of drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace are wide-ranging: from reduction in productivity, to an increased risk of workplace accidents, a rise in sickness absence, and the risk of reputational damage.

According to figures from the CIPD1, around 25 per cent of employees admit that drugs or alcohol have affected them at work, with alcohol alone estimated to cost the British economy £7.3bn per year2.

These figures not only highlight the prevalence of the problem in the UK, but also the importance of raising awareness of these issues in the workplace and educating staff on the risks of substance misuse.

Substance misuse is no respecter of rank or salary, a fact that makes drug and alcohol awareness training crucial for staff at all levels, from the factory floor to the boardroom.

Effective management and employee awareness training can help embed the company’s stance on drugs and alcohol for both new and existing employees, making it a part of company culture, and strengthening the company’s reputation as a responsible employer.

There are many additional benefits to awareness training. These include keeping risk management front of mind, ensuring staff are educated on the signs, symptoms, and impact of using alcohol or drugs at work, and fostering a supportive environment for individuals who are struggling, thereby enabling employers to offer the appropriate support.

A truly effective awareness training session will cover:

– The impact of substances in the workplace

– Drug and alcohol legislation, and the company’s responsibility

– Signs and symptoms of substance misuse

– Employee rights and responsibilities

A drug and alcohol policy is a formal corporate document that defines the company’s stance on drugs and alcohol, and ensures employees are kept informed of how substance misuse issues will be handled.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty of care for the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Having an appropriate policy in place demonstrates that the company is committed to safeguarding its employees and creating a safe working environment for everyone.

A robust policy should include:

– Why there is a need for a policy

– The purpose of the policy

– Who the policy will apply to

– How and when the policy will be implemented

– Reasons for testing e.g., post-incident/where there are grounds to suspect an individual of using drugs or alcohol at work

– Testing methods and sample collection

– How substance misuse issues will be handled e.g. procedures for non-negative samples

The policy document should be reviewed regularly, to ensure it aligns with the latest health and safety regulations and be updated whenever new testing methods or procedures are introduced.

The document should be made available to all employees and can even be shared prior to new employees being appointed, so that the company’s stance on substance misuse is clear from the start.

Whether you’re looking to introduce a workplace testing programme, or simply want to embed your existing substance misuse policy, awareness training plays a vital role in educating your staff and demonstrating your commitment to workplace health and safety.

Book an online or face-to-face awareness training session and receive 50% off a policy review by our in-house experts until 30 November 2022. Simply cite WPLPPR50 when booking your training.