Alcohol Misuse at Work

January serves as a time for reflection and setting new goals. With “Dry January” approaching, many workers may be reconsidering their relationship with alcohol. The benefits of reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption are well-documented and include:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Reducing the risk of diabetes
• Improving cholesterol levels
• Decreasing levels of cancer-related proteins in the blood

Employers have a crucial role in identifying, addressing, and supporting substance abuse issues in the workplace. For health & safety services creating a safer work environment

Alcohol at Work

Although being under the influence of alcohol at work is not explicitly covered by employment laws, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, section 7, places an obligation on a worker to take reasonable care when undertaking tasks concerning the worker’s own safety and for others who may be affected by the worker’s actions or omissions.

In addition, allowing someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to perform duties—especially in safety-critical roles—could expose the employer to legal liabilities.

Identifying any substance abuse problems in the workplace is therefore essential.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Signs

Alcohol and drugs significantly affect our mood and have a significant impact on the behaviour and lifestyle of those affected. In particular, relating to work, employers should look out for the following:

• Frequently being late or absent without good explanation
• Difficulty in focusing on tasks or falling asleep
• Dips in productivity or a decline in the quality of work
• Changes in mood or erratic behaviours
• Avoiding managerial staff

Physical signs include:

• The smell of alcohol (on breath/clothing)
• A decline in personal hygiene
• Bloodshot eyes
• Covering the smell of alcohol by excessively using breath mints or chewing gum
• Shaking or tremors

Screening and Testing

One approach to the problem of alcohol and drug abuse at work is to apply testing of staff. In safety-critical roles such as driving or machine operation, testing for alcohol and drugs is a common practice.

According to recent data, two-fifths of employers in these industries test their staff.

The most common testing methods include (as a percentage of all employers who test):

• Random testing for alcohol – 65%
• Random testing for drugs – 62%
• Testing when an employee is reasonably suspected of alcohol/drug misuse – 58%
• Post-incident testing for alcohol/drugs – 42%
• Pre-employment testing for drugs – 36%

Nonetheless, employers should be careful in the way they approach targeting. They should limit tests to employees that need to be tested. If individuals are targeted for testing, employers should be able to clearly justify this singling out.

Otherwise, random testing is the most appropriate approach.

Supporting Employees

Employees struggling with substance abuse are more likely to seek help if they trust that their issues will be handled discreetly, sympathetically and confidentially.

Employers can take the following steps to support affected employees:

• Encourage the employee to seek help from a GP or a specialist drug or alcohol service.
• Seek advice from occupational health services.
• Temporarily reassign employees in safety-critical roles until the employee is sufficiently recovered.

It’s important to balance support with responsibility. If an employee’s substance misuse involves illegal activities in the workplace, employers must address these concerns appropriately following an appropriate procedure.

Is Alcoholism a Protected Trait?

While drug and alcohol dependency is recognised as a medical issue, it is explicitly excluded from the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010.

However, addiction is a complex condition, and often individuals with addiction issues may have other conditions which do qualify for protection under the Equality Act.

Employers therefore should be mindful to treat any employee with fairness, compassion and dignity.

Ensure compliance and care with our health & safety services.