Sy Alcohol and Drugs Policy
Sy Alcohol and Drugs Policy
Sy Alcohol and Drugs Policy
A policy for:
Effective from:
Next review date:
Introduction
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can seriously impair an individual’s judgement
and reactions leading to an increased risk of accidents and injuries occurring. Alcohol and
drug abuse problems can also have a detrimental effect on work performance and
behaviour.
The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of all employees, contractor and visitors by
having clear rules in place regarding use and possession of alcohol and drugs, and to
support those who have reported a problem with alcohol or drug dependence.
"The habitual drinking of intoxicating liquor by an employee, whereby the employee's ability
to perform his/her duties is impaired or his/her attendance at work is interfered with, or
he/she endangers the safety of others".
"The habitual taking of drugs by an employee other than drugs prescribed as medication,
whereby the employee's ability to perform his/her duties is impaired, or his/her attendance at
work is interfered with, or he/she endangers the safety of others".
This policy is designed to comply with relevant legislation such as the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Policy Provisions
1. Employees may not consume alcohol or any unlawful drugs in the workplace during
work time or during a period prior to work where they may still be under the influence
of alcohol and drugs effects which may carry over to the working hours. This includes
business functions where the employee is representing the Company. Special rules
may apply in relation to alcohol, where the Company sponsors an event for staff e.g.
the Christmas party. In these circumstances any variation to the no-alcohol policy will
be communicated in advance of the event.
2. No employee shall be in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace.
3. No employee should try to report to work when unfit due to alcohol or drugs.
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4. No employee shall supply others with illegal drugs or alcohol in the workplace.
5. Employees who are taking prescription drugs should ensure that they are aware of
any side effects and advise their manager or a member of the management team
immediately of any side effects of prescription drugs, which may affect work
performance or the health and safety of themselves or others
Enforcement
When there is reasonable belief that an individual is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
on reporting for work or during the course of work, they must be sent home immediately. In
addition, possession of or dealing in illegal drugs on Company premises will, without
exception, be reported to the Police.
Employees with an illness related to alcohol and drugs are encouraged to disclose this at the
earliest opportunity to ensure support and help with treatment.
Those who admit to having a problem with alcohol or drugs will be fully supported as
follows:.
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The Line Manager will help the employee to recognise the problem. This will be
through in the first instance encouraging them to seek help through their own
General Practitioner. Under these circumstances and with the employee’s consent, a
referral will be made to the Occupational Health service, qualified diagnostic or
counselling service.
Time off may be allowed (normally unpaid) for employees to obtain treatment or
attend support groups.
Support during a period of treatment .This may include a period of sick leave or
approved other leave, restricted duties or temporary transfer to other work (if this is
feasible).
Alcohol Dependence
Drinkline
Helpline: 0800 917 8282
Drinkline runs a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their own
drinking, or someone else's.
Drinkaware
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/
Drinkaware works to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK.
Addaction
http://www.addaction.org.uk/default.asp
Addaction is the UK's leading drug and alcohol charity, helping over 40,000 people a year to
recover from their addiction problems.
Al-Anon
http://www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking,
regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not.
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Addaction
http://www.addaction.org.uk/default.asp
Addaction is the UK's leading drug and alcohol charity, helping over 40,000 people a year to
recover from their addiction problems.
Talk to Frank
http://www.talktofrank.com/
National drugs awareness site for young people and parents/carers.
Narcotics Anonymous
http://ukna.org/
Helpline for the UK: 0300 999 1212
N.A. is a non-profit fellowship of recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other
stay clean. Membership is open to anyone with a drug problem seeking help, regardless of
what drug or combination of drugs have been used, and irrespective of age, sex, religion,
race, creed or class. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using drugs.
Signed
Position
Date