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Let’s talk about…. drugs and alcohol on site

According to the HSE, each year around 64,000 construction workers sustain an injury at work, and over 22% of these cases result in absence from work of over 7 days. If you are a self-employed sub-contractor, you are more than aware that days spent not working and bed bound due to accidental injury, are days spent not putting money in the bank, so playing your part to minimise the risk of injury is key.

 

As a minimum requirement, we expect all sub-contractors who work with us to have a CSCS Card. This confirms to us, and the contractors we work with, workers have met the required health and safety standards, and are aware of best practice for safe working on site.

 

But as well as the general health and safety training construction workers undertake, being fit, healthy and of sound mind is also a necessity to minimising the risk of injury.

 

Whilst you may claim to be in peak fitness by being down the gym 5 times a week as well have a physical job, the two big topics affecting a ‘sound mind’ and health and safety across sites up and down the UK… are drugs and alcohol. (Also the two biggest excuses we know for those in ‘Monday Club’ – a well-known hangout for those after a heavy weekend who aren’t quite ready to start a working week.)

 

Drugs & Alcohol Onsite

There is no question that drugs and alcohol have some type of effect on the person using it, and these can range from mild to severe. A common side-effect from both is a slowing down of reaction times, therefore affecting senses and judgement. Being under the influence and in control of a jackhammer, cutting saw or JCB is an accident or injury waiting to happen and spells disaster for both your own safety and those around you.

 

Inline with the business contractors we work with, we have a zero tolerance policy to the use of drugs and alcohol on site. Whilst we do not carry out drugs tests as a company, there are a growing number of contractors who undertake drugs tests during site inductions. If you fail the tests or turn up to site under the influence, you will be booted off pretty quickly with no pay!

 

How long do drugs and alcohol stay in your system?

Both drugs and alcohol can take a while to leave your system, some longer than others. According to the UK Government website, FRANK, the list below shows the drug detection times (based on the common on-site testing process of a urine test) for different drugs and alcohol:

 

  • Alcohol 12-24 hours
  • Amphetamine 2-3 days
  • Cannabis 2-7 days – 1 month (for regular users)
  • Cocaine 12 hours-3 days
  • Ecstasy 2-4 days

 

In summary, enjoy your weekends as you please but if you are still being a bit fuzzy after a heavy night or big weekend, ride the ‘fall out’ in the confines and safety of your own home. It will be safer all-around for everyone! Inline with the business contractors we work with, we have a zero tolerance policy to the use of drugs and alcohol on site. Whilst we do not carry out drugs tests as a company, there are a growing number of contractors who undertake drugs tests during site inductions. If you fail the tests or turn up to site under the influence, you will be booted off pretty quickly with no pay!

About Author : voxit
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