Staff Handbook - Policies and Procedures

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CHRIS SEDGEMAN SCAFFOLDING ALCOHOL AND DRUGS MISUSE POLICY We have an obligation under health and safety legislation to maintain a safe working environment for all workers and visitors to our premises. When an employee’s performance or ability to carry out their duties is affected by the misuse of alcohol or drugs we must take steps to ensure the health and safety of the employee, other employees and members of the public is not compromised. Employees also have an obligation under health and safety legislation to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. 1.1 This Company is committed to upholding the highest standards of health and safety for the protection of its employees, and others who work on or visit the Company's premises or sites upon which the Company works. 1.2 Consequently, this policy statement has been issued by the Board of Directors and management. 1.3 This policy statement is to be drawn to the attention of all employees, applicants for employment, sub-contractors, agency employees and workers and visitors who come onto the Company's premises. 2 Policy objectives 2.1 The Company is aware of the serious dangers that arise as a result of persons taking unlawful substances and drinking alcohol. It has a responsibility under the law to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees, and must also assess the risks from any work activity and take all reasonable steps to reduce these risks. 2.2 Studies have shown that introducing a policy of random testing for drugs and alcohol can bring about a dramatic reduction in accidents and incidents of ill-health. 2.3 The company has contractual obligations to ensure that company employees working on-site in relation to particular jobs are free from the effects or withdrawal effects of alcohol or illegal or non-prescribed drugs. 2.4 Those contractual obligations are such that any employee of this company found to test positive (whether by our own testing procedure or one carried out on any site by the main contractor or any other person) under any drug or alcohol test will immediately be required to leave the site and will not be allowed to return to work at that site. Such an occurrence would also immediately affect the relationship between the customer and the company and may result in the loss of that and further contracts. 2.5 The tests establish whether the individual has at some point prior to the test taken the substance, rather than whether at the point of testing the individual's ability to work has been compromised. It is not therefore sufficient for the employee to turn up for work ready and capable. The employee must not test positive even for previous use of such substances. 2.6 The prevalence of such contractual terms is such that it is not normally practicable for a company employee to remain employed if he or she tests positive. 2.7 In any event, when an employee's performance or ability to carry out his or her duties is affected by the misuse of alcohol or drugs the company must take steps to ensure that the health and safety of the employee, other employees and members of the public is not compromised. 2.8 Employees also have an obligation under health and safety legislation to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions that work. 3 Our policies : 3.1 Consumption of alcohol and use or possession of illegal drugs at work 3.1.1 The consumption of alcoholic drinks during working hours is strictly forbidden, as is the taking of drugs (other than those prescribed or legally taken for a medical condition). This is a condition of your contract of employment. 3.1.2 Intoxication by reason of drink or drugs, and the possession of illegal drugs at work are offences that will be considered to be gross misconduct and will lead to disciplinary action and/or dismissal. 3.2 Consumption of and use or possession of illegal drugs outside work. 3.2.1 The taking of drugs (other than those prescribed or legally taken for a medical condition) is strictly forbidden. 3.3 Applicants for positions within the company, whether temporary or permanent: Company policy on drugs and alcohol testing 1 Introduction

Registered Office: Unit 2A Longrock Industrial Estate, Penzance, Cornwall. TR20 8HX Company Reg. No. 04124350 VAT Reg. No. 684598666 UTR No. 24386 09541

This is a controlled document

Alcohol and Drug Misuse Policy 24/06/24