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Testing for drugs at work

Concateno is Europe’s leading alcohol and drugs testing company.  John Wilson, Manager of the Employee Services division, offers some practical advice for public sector organisations considering the introduction of workplace testing.

The necessity of drug and alcohol testing has become increasingly recognised by many in the public sector. Traditionally, industries such as maritime and rail have instigated mandatory drug and alcohol testing to fulfil regulatory requirements. In public sector organisations which are non-regulated, it is important for senior management to understand the risks that they may face by not implementing an active drug and alcohol policy.  In many cases the risk of not testing is far greater than the implications of doing so.  

The most recent British Crime Survey shows that around 5% of the UK’s adult population (16-59 year olds) use drugs on a monthly basis. The issue of drug testing can be a sensitive one, often creating challenging situations for both employers and employees. However, introducing these tests to the workplace can increase safety and encourage the well being of employees.

The decision to enforce drug testing can arise after a drug or alcohol related incident, industry regulation, law, employment requirement, or simply just to encourage the best possible practice within the company. The Health and Safety Act of 1974 states that employers have the duty to provide a safe working environment.  This includes ensuring that they do not knowingly allow an employee to work when impaired by alcohol or after misusing illegal drugs.

It is vitally important that any drug and alcohol testing is conducted to the highest industry standards, as behind every test is a person and their livelihood is at a potential risk following a positive result.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The first step is setting a clear drug and alcohol policy which needs to be supportive and not punitive, ultimately creating a safer working environment for all.  An effective drug and alcohol policy should be robust and relevant for the improvement of health and safety in the workplace. Companies should always seek legal advice to check the policy, before it is implemented.

Communication

The policy then needs to be clearly communicated to the workforce, explaining the start date, the type of tests that will be used in the process, the testing process and the consequences of a positive result. 

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Drug and alcohol abuse is often the result of other factors in an employee’s personal or working life. A crucial part of best practice is an effective Employee Assistance Programme - a confidential service that combines online advice with 24-hour phone assistance, providing help with issues such as financial concerns, bereavement and family problems.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures

The use of an accredited testing company is highly recommended, ensuring correct and strict testing policies, providing defensible evidence and peace of mind.

There are several important elements to drug and alcohol testing procedures that testing companies should provide:

Collection Process

The preferred way of collecting a sample is through an accredited collection officer from a testing company, who will be responsible for sending the sample to the laboratory.

The other alternative is ‘self-collect’ where the employer collects samples from employees themselves. The person assigned to collect samples must be trained by an accredited supplier, making sure the test result is legally defensible.

Chain of Custody

This ensures the result of each test is indisputable. This includes a Chain of Custody form, with secure packaging to protect the sample during transit to the laboratory as well as tamper evident seals on the specimen containers and laboratory checks on arrival to confirm Chain of Custody is intact. 

Testing process

In-depth testing is carried out in the laboratory by specialist technicians.  At the laboratory, samples undergo screening and/or confirmation testing under strictly controlled conditions. Once again, the full Chain of Custody procedure ensures sample integrity for legally defensible testing.

How testing is changing workplaces

Nearly all employees welcome accredited drugs testing.  It increases productivity and safety in the workplace whilst reducing the number of accidents and absences.  A combination of communication, education, and professional service will ensure successful drug testing in the workplace, taking an organisation one step closer to a safe and positive workplace.

 Concateno brings together Europe’s strongest and most experienced drug and alcohol testing organisations and over 60 years of collected expertise.

 Concateno offers an unparalleled breadth of advisory services and testing capabilities – spanning laboratory, point of care tests and all sample types for any biological specimen, including urine, oral fluids, hair and sweat.

• 24 August 2011
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