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Building Sites: Why Drug and Alcohol Testing is Essential in the Construction Industry





After farming and agriculture, construction is the fourth most dangerous profession with the second most fatal injuries. Employers have a responsibility to care for the safety of their employees and can face personal liability for preventable occupational accidents under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act (2007). As a result, companies should have a stringent drug and alcohol policy in place to minimise risks of incidents occurring.

However, a survey conducted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme found that 65% have never been tested for drugs and alcohol.

Key findings:

  1. 39% admitted the issue of drugs and alcohol could be better tackled in their workplace

  2. 35% have noticed their colleagues under the influence of drugs and alcohol

  3. 25% agreed drugs or alcohol affected them at work through tiredness

  4. 19% agreed the effects made them less productive at work

Drug abuse also includes the use or abuse of prescription medication, which results potentially in sedation. This includes strong pain killers, anxiolytic sedatives and sleeping pills, and some of the older antidepressants.

By drug and alcohol testing all your employees on a random basis, backed up by a comprehensive policy, it is possible to help reduce the number of incidents in the construction industry and negate a possible lawsuit and loss of productivity.

Racoo Screening works with construction companies of all sizes to help implement effective workplace drug and alcohol testing policies that comply with international regulations. We also offer a complete drug and alcohol testing service, staff training and e-learning packages. To find out more, contact us here.

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