IOSH West of Scotland. A brief introduc5on to Drugs and Alcohol in the UK Workplace MaA Taylor Oct 2013

Transcription

1 IOSH West of Scotland A brief introduc5on to Drugs and Alcohol in the UK Workplace MaA Taylor Oct 2013

2 ScreenSafe Three things people ask Who? What? When?

3 Who? Matt Taylor. 10 years in Drugs and Alcohol industry. Personal experience. TV, Radio, National Press, Specialist Press/Media. Forensic, Legal, Workplace, Criminal Justice. Treatment, Rehabilitation, Counselling. Who do we work with?

4 What? D&A Understanding the risks. Testing Carrot or Stick? Putting a Policy and Procedures in place.

5 When?

6 Why are we talking about D&A? A range of factors, both at the workplace and in our private lives, impact on our ability to work safely. These factors, as they relate to the workplace, must be dealt with through the normal procedures for dealing with safety issues at the workplace. Employers and employees should maintain a keen focus on H&S no matter the economic climate. Duty of Care.

7 Challenge How many passes do the team in WHITE make?

8 The hidden risks

9 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse Alcohol MORI poll found that 78% of people worried about alcohol related problems. Cabinet s office reported that Alcohol fuelled: - 1 million fights per year - 19,000 sexual assaults - 360,000 cases of domestic violence 1 in 25 people in the UK are dependent on Alcohol. 15% of drink drive convictions are morning after.

10 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse During a recent Channel 4 survey (2012), where early morning commuters in Manchester were breathalysed for Alcohol on their way into work: Just over 50% tested had no alcohol present in their breath. 46% still had alcohol in their system. 10% were twice the UK legal drink/drive limit.

11 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse During a recent Channel 4 online survey (2012) viewers, they were asked How often have you gone to work with a hangover? : 23% said never. 32% said a couple of times per year. 22% said once a month. 23% said at least once per week.

12 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse Alcohol The number of motorists admitting drinking and driving in UK has almost doubled since As many as 20% of drivers have no idea how many units are in an alcoholic drink (source LV car insurance 2012). Strathclyde area was 3rd highest in UK (in last 3 years) with 6444 Drink/Drive convictions.

13 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse Alcohol Reducing drink driving in Scotland would you support Scottish government having additional legal powers to reduce drink driving? (1073 persons surveyed Dec 2012). Support = 75% Neither support or oppose = 13% Oppose = 8% Don t know = 4%

14 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse Drugs The UK officially has the worst drug problem in Europe largest user of cocaine after the USA. Over 5 million cannabis users and rising. The incidence of drug use in young people has almost trebled since the Over 4 million E s are taken every week in the UK alone (conservative estimate).

15 UK Drugs & Alcohol Abuse Drugs Line of cocaine cheaper than a cup of Espresso. Cocaine - an accepted middle class culture. 1 in 50 people in the UK are addicted to drugs. Legal Highs - Bought/sold over the internet and in UK shops. New users not previously seen. Prescription Addiction E.g. Glasgow has high abuse and addiction issue with Benzos (Valium, Jellies etc).

16 Testing: Carrot or Stick? The Benefits Gives managers the tools to take responsible action. Procedures not ad-hoc. Creates a healthier & safer workplace. Gives a reason to say no. Helps prevent accidents. Positive impact on wider community. Can save lives. Everyone has the right to go home safe and healthy at the end of the day/shift.

17 Testing: Carrot or Stick? Discipline Testing. Not the only answer must be part of a multi-pronged strategy. Random testing acts as a deterrent. Policy should clearly state when help is offered and when discipline is applied. Without negative consequences, testing will rarely play a successful part in the overall strategy. Must be fair and equitable.

18 Policy & Procedures 7 simple steps to implementing a legally defensible and robust Drugs & Alcohol Policy.

19 Step 1: Why do you want a policy? Health & Safety? Duty of Care? Law / Legislation? Reaction to an issue? Any other suggestions.?

20 Some useful questions to ask Why are we doing this? What problem(s) are we solving? Is this actually useful? Are we adding value? Will this change behaviour? Is there an easier way? What is the opportunity cost? Is it worth it?

21 Step 2: Get advice and support You are not the first to do this! Choose a high quality, experienced & accredited specialist. Look for a partner NOT just a supplier. Speak in length. Advice should be free. Get references. Do your homework. Focus on Quality Not Quantity. Biggest is not always best! Professional. Customer focused. Friendly. Available 24/7/365.

22 Step 3: Who is responsible? Formulate a working group. Include your specialist from the start! Include all stakeholders: H.R. H&S Union reps Employee representatives Any others?

23 Step 4: Decide what to include & when Policy & Procedures who is to write it? Training for who? Employee Assistance Programme. Education / Awareness. Leaflets. Booklets. Posters. Testing what type, what media & who is to do it?

24 Step 5: Timelines Project manage Plan. Decide on a go-live date. Publish it. 3 months amnesty period? Allow for revisions / consultation. Training & Education.

25 Step 6: Countdown to go live 2-3 weeks prior : Re-Publicise. Re-iterate routes for assistance. If you are to carry out testing practice. Run through procedures ensure all are clear. If random testing discuss timings with your chosen provider. Go-Live. Show commitment. Start Testing.

26 Step 7: Going forward Keep up the working group. Record and compare K.P.I.s. Discuss successes & failures. Evolve policy & procedures. Update knowledge maintain education. Keep in touch with new developments (your chosen provider should do this with you). If you carry out testing maintain calibration of equipment. Competency manage your collection staff.

27 In conclusion With the wealth of statistics indicating drugs is a problem in our society, it seems illogical and costly for employers to think that drug and alcohol abuse stops at the employer's gates. A policy should be introduced and it should be embraced and implemented by the employer. Your policy should clearly indicate to employees the employer's stance on drugs and alcohol abuse in the workplace and; To be effective, such policies should include an element of screening (Pre-employment, Un-announced & For-cause), training and education, employee assistance.

28 Questions? Need further information? Matt Taylor Managing Director Mobile: Would you would like a free 17 page guide to writing or reviewing your Policy ( Drugs and Alcohol Policy Guidelines published by ScreenSafe)? Please request and contact details to: matt.taylor@screensafe.co.uk