Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace

Transcription

1 Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace Plicy Aim Cnciliatin Resurces is cmmitted t prviding a safe and prductive wrk envirnment seeking t prmte the health, safety and well being f its emplyees, cnsultants and vlunteers. This plicy is designed t: Ensure that emplyees, cnsultants and vlunteers are aware f the health risks assciated with alchl/drug misuse; Outline the help and supprt available fr staff and their line managers n these issues; Prvide a framewrk t enable instances f substance misuse by emplyees at wrk t be handled in an apprpriate, fair and cnsistent manner. Achieve a balance between supprting emplyees and vlunteers wh cme frward with a prblem, and the legal requirement t preserve: The health, safety and welfare f emplyees and vlunteers and thers with whm they cme int cntact. The delivery f high quality and effective wrk. Cnciliatin Resurces reputatin. The plicy is nt intended t penalise thse wh are legitimately taking medicatin, prescribed r verthe-cunter, which may have unfreseen side effects affecting their perfrmance. The inapprpriate use f alchl r drugs can damage the health and wellbeing f emplyees, cnsultants and vlunteers and have far reaching effects n their persnal and wrking lives. At wrk, alchl r drug misuse can result in reduced levels f attendance, sub-standard wrk perfrmance and increased health and safety risks. Furthermre, the effects f alchl r drug misuse may be detrimental t the reputatin and image f Cnciliatin Resurces and its ability t undertake its wrk. Cnciliatin Resurces treats drug and alchl dependency 1 as a health issue that requires special treatment and help rather than as a disciplinary matter, althugh we reserve the right t take disciplinary actin t deal with the prblem if this is apprpriate. This plicy cvers the use and misuse f intxicating substances 2 that culd adversely affect wrk perfrmance and/r health and safety. This plicy als prvides guidance n when the cnsumptin f alchl during Cnciliatin Resurces ffice hurs as defined in the Cnciliatin Resurces Cntract f Emplyment maybe permissible. 1 Dependency is defined as a cmpulsin t keep taking an intxicating substance either t avid effects f withdrawal (physical dependence) r t meet a need fr stimulatin r tranquillising effects r pleasure (psychlgical dependence). 2 An intxicating substance is a substance that changes the way the user feels mentally r physically. It includes alchl, illegal drugs, legal drugs, prescriptin medicines (fr example, tranquillisers, anti-depressant, ver-the-cunter medicines), slvents, glue, lighter fuel etc.) Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 1 f 8

2 Plicy Scpe The plicy applies t all grades within Cnciliatin Resurces including thse n fixed term cntracts, vlunteers, r an emplyee that may be secnded t Cnciliatin Resurces. It is als expected that agency wrkers, cnsultants r cntractrs and thers wrking n behalf f Cnciliatin Resurces whether in a paid r unpaid capacity will cmply with this plicy. Failure t d s is likely t result in the terminatin f any cntract f emplyment r engagement. This plicy must be brught t the attentin f all new emplyees and vlunteers f Cnciliatin Resurces as part f their inductin prcess. In additin all cnsultants and cntractrs will be prvided with a cpy f this plicy as part f the Cnsultant s Handbk, which maybe reviewed and amended frm time t time. Whilst this plicy is part f the terms and cnditins f emplyment with Cnciliatin Resurces it des nt frm part f an emplyee s cntract and the cntent may be subject t revisin as the need arises. Health risks assciated with the misuse f intxicating substances Alchl While drinking within the Gvernment s suggested guidelines has minimal detrimental effect n health, there are several health risks assciated with drinking t much alchl. Further infrmatin abut the health risks f cnsuming t much alchl can be fund at Drugs Health risks depend n the drugs taken and the frequency f use. Mre infrmatin can be fund at The Respnsibilities f Line Managers and Emplyees The Rle f the Line Manager Drinking alchl is an accepted part f scial life fr many peple and it can be hard fr line managers t draw a line between apprpriate scial drinking and alchl abuse. Similarly, recgnising signs f drug abuse can be prblematic. It shuld be emphasised that line managers are nt expected t be experts in this area, and if they have t deal with such issues, they will be given full supprt and guidance by the Directr f Operatins and/r the Executive Directr (see Help and Supprt belw). An emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant with a drink r drug prblem may have higher absence levels than their clleagues, but this will nt always be the case. Similarly, perfrmance may nt always be adversely affected. Line managers therefre have a twfld rle in handling these issues: Where apprpriate, t highlight the effect n perfrmance, cnduct r attendance, and T encurage the individual t seek help t deal with their dependence and ffer apprpriate supprt. Where a line manager is r becmes aware, r suspects, that an emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant is misusing intxicating substances, they must seek advice frm either the Directr f Operatins r the Executive Directr. It is nt necessary fr the line manager t have spken directly t the emplyee wh is, r may be, affected prir t raising their cncern. Hwever nce an initial discussin has taken place, the line manager must talk t the emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant cncerned befre any further actin is taken. Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 2 f 8

3 The Respnsibilities f the Line Manager Emplyees, vlunteers, cnsultants and line managers are required t: Be aware, t the extent pssible, f the signs f alchl and substance misuse and the effects n perfrmance, attendance and the health f peple. Fr pssible indicatrs f alchl r drug misuse please see appendix A. Be aware f Cnciliatin Resurces duty f care t all emplyees, vlunteers and cnsultants t ensure the health, safety and welfare f all emplyees, vlunteers and cnsultants and with whm they cme int cntact. Ensure that shuld they have an issue with alchl r drugs, emplyees, vlunteers and cnsultants are aware f the supprt that is available t them, bth within Cnciliatin Resurces and thrugh external rganisatins (please see appendix B). Prvide supprt and assistance, as apprpriate t emplyees and vlunteers wh are dependent n intxicating substances, t help and aid their recvery. Mnitr the perfrmance, behaviur and attendance f emplyees, vlunteers and cnsultants as part f the nrmal line management relatinship. If apprpriate, keep accurate recrds f instances f pr perfrmance, attendance r cnduct t enable apprpriate actin t be taken. Line managers shuld intervene at an early stage where changes in perfrmance, behaviur, sickness levels and/r attendance patterns are identified. Where a line manager suspect s substance abuse may be causing a prblem, they shuld first discuss the situatin with the Directr f Operatins r the Executive Directr. It may be apprpriate, in the first instance, t explre any change in perfrmance r attendance in terms f a health prblem withut specifically mentining alchl r drugs. Emplyee s, Vlunteers and Cnsultants respnsibilities All are required t: Familiarise themselves with this plicy and cmply with its prvisins. At all times present a prfessinal, curteus and efficient image t thse with whm they cme int cntact. They therefre have a persnal respnsibility t adpt a reasnable attitude twards the cnsumptin f alchl and taking prescribed r ver-the-cunter drugs. Where apprpriate, c-perate with any arrangements fr help and supprt ffered by Cnciliatin Resurces t assist with the addressing f any alchl r drug misuse prblem they may have. Cnfidentiality Cnciliatin Resurces will treat issues relating t dependence n, r misuse f, alchl r drugs in cmplete cnfidence, within the limits f what is practicable and within the law. In rder t prvide effective supprt and help, it may be necessary fr infrmatin t be shared with thers; fr example with the line manager if the initial apprach has been frm elsewhere r the alternate EMC member (Directr f Operatins r the Executive Directr), but at all times this will be kept t the minimum. Help and Supprt All are strngly encuraged t seek help r guidance if they have cncerns regarding their alchl r drug cnsumptin. In additin t yur General Practitiner, there are a number f agencies ffering help and supprt fr thse experiencing prblems with alchl and drugs. A nn-exhaustive list f rganisatins is available at appendix B. If anyne has cncerns abut the way in which their cnsumptin f alchl r drugs is affecting their wrk, they may wish, in the first instance, t directly apprach their line manager r the Directr f Operatins r the Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 3 f 8

4 Executive Directr. With the persn s permissin, the line manager r Directr f Operatins r the Executive Directr will arrange fr the prvisin f apprpriate supprt and help. This may invlve referral t an ccupatinal health rganisatin, ther medical prfessinals, alchl/drug treatment agencies etc. Where an emplyee r vlunteer has disclsed that they have an alchl r drug related prblem, Cnciliatin Resurces will always seek t adpt a cnstructive and supprtive apprach t assist them in addressing it. This may include allwing time ff t attend rehabilitatin, cunselling r medical appintments related t the prblem, and these will be subject t the nrmal rules n Sickness Absence as detailed in the Leave Plicy. Where an emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant des nt cme frward t seek help, and their clleague(s) genuinely suspect that they may be misusing alchl r drugs, they have a respnsibility 3 t raise their cncerns. Peple shuld nt, even with the best mtives in mind, cver up fr, r cllude with, a clleague wh may have an alchl r drug related issue but shuld instead encurage the individual t seek help. If this ptin des nt prve successful and cncerns remain, serius cnsideratin shuld be given t raising the issue cnfidentially with either the Directr f Operatins r the Executive Directr wh will then becme respnsible fr seeking an apprpriate way frward. Requirements f the Plicy During Cnciliatin Resurces Wrking Hurs Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants shuld attend wrk and remain thrughut their cntracted r agreed hurs, in a fit and safe cnditin t undertake their duties. Cnsumptin f alchl during the wrking day, including during breaks, whether inside r utside any Cnciliatin Resurces ffice r place r wrk, is actively discuraged, as the smell f alchl n the breath can create an unfavurable impressin which may impact n the credibility f the individual and Cnciliatin Resurces. It may als affect perfrmance and/r behaviur, which culd lead t frmal actin being taken against an individual. The exceptin t this is where a third party is being entertained ver lunch r dinner but cnsumptin shuld be apprpriate and nt excessive. Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants may nt cnsume alchl n Cnciliatin Resurces premises, except at wrk related functins r activities, althugh this must be authrised by an EMC Directr and then nly mderate and sensible levels f alchl shuld be cnsumed. Where wrk-related functins, such as the Cnciliatin Resurces Christmas Lunch, r wrk-related activities take place at the end f the wrking day after which emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants are nt returning t wrk, n authrisatin frm an EMC Directr is needed fr the cnsumptin f alchl. Where an emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant is representing Cnciliatin Resurces, fr example at an evening receptin, seminar, netwrking event r in the field etc., they shuld bear in mind their respnsibility t maintain a prfessinal image bth fr themselves and as a representative f, and ambassadr fr, Cnciliatin Resurces. Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants must nt take cntrlled drugs 4 at any time during the wrking day including breaks either at r away frm their place f wrk. Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants may take drugs that have been prescribed fr them r ver-thecunter medicines used fr their intended purpse (in accrdance with the instructins given by the prescriber, pharmacist r manufacturer). Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants must ntify their line manager as sn as pssible if they are prescribed medicine that may cause side effects and which is likely t impair their ability t undertake their duties safely and effectively. 3 All emplyees and vlunteers have a respnsibility t take reasnable care fr their wn and their clleagues health and safety and t ntify their line manager r the Directr f Operatins f any cncerns. 4 Cntrlled drugs are drugs cvered by the Misuse f Drugs Act These drugs include drugs with n current medical uses as well as medical drugs prne t misuse. All are cnsidered likely t result in substantial harm t individuals and sciety. Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 4 f 8

5 Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants wh experience side effects as a result f taking prescribed r ver-the-cunter medicines that impair their ability t perfrm their duties safely and satisfactrily shuld ntify, if they are in a psitin f line management, their staff, therwise their line manager as sn as pssible. This is particularly imprtant if the emplyee r vlunteer is in a pst r undertaking wrk where it is nt nly their safety, but the safety f thers that culd be jepardised. Outside wrking hurs This is applicable wherever the emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant is wrking fr Cnciliatin Resurces. There is n requirement t ntify yur line manager f the medicatin prescribed r taken during perids f sickness absence unless it will cntinue t be taken after the emplyee r vlunteers return t wrk. Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants are nt bliged t disclse either the actual medical cnditin being treated r the medicatin simply the impact/side effects. Hwever if the impact/side effects may be severe, and culd result in the attendance f the emergency services, it may be f use t the emergency services if a clleague was aware f the medicatin taken. Emplyees, vlunteers and cnsultants shuld be aware f the impact f cnsuming intxicating substances immediately befre cming t wrk and persnally be respnsible fr allwing sufficient time fr any incapacitating effects f alchl r any ther intxicating substance t wear ff befre attending wrk. T arrive at wrk, whether Cnciliatin Resurces ffice in Lndn, r the ffice f a partner r any ther lcatin where yu may be wrking and representing Cnciliatin Resurces, in an unfit state may lead t disciplinary actin being taken against the emplyee r vlunteer, r terminatin f the cnsultant s cntract. Cntrlled Drugs Emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants are nt permitted t pssess, stre, trade, use, misuse r sell cntrlled drugs n Cnciliatin Resurces premises r whilst representing Cnciliatin Resurces r bring Cnciliatin Resurces int disrepute by engaging in such activities utside f wrk. The nly exceptin t this is in relatin t pssessin where an emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant has a prescriptin fr a cntrlled drug, hwever the trading r sale f such prescriptin drugs is nt permitted. Everyne shuld als be aware that the laws relating t Cntrlled Drugs differ arund the wrld with the penalties extending up t and including the death sentence. Breaches f this plicy Cnciliatin Resurces will adpt a cnstructive and supprtive apprach when dealing with emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants wh may be experiencing alchl r drug dependence r addictin 5. This means that emplyees, vlunteers r cnsultants experiencing substance misuse will nt autmatically have their emplyment r engagement terminated simply because f their dependence/addictin. If perfrmance, attendance r behaviur is unacceptable, despite any supprt and assistance that has been ffered by Cnciliatin Resurces, whether r nt this has been taken up, dismissal may ultimately be unavidable. Ntwithstanding the abve, there will be circumstances where breaches f this plicy, whether dependency related r nt, will be treated as a disciplinary matter and may result in summary dismissal f the emplyee r 5 Addictin is defined as a state f peridic r chrnic intxicatin prduced by the repeated intake f an intxicating substance. This means that a dependency has develped t such an extent that it has serius detrimental effects n the user and ften n their family, and the individual has great difficulty discntinuing their use. Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 5 f 8

6 the ending f the engagement by a vlunteer r terminatin f the cnsultant s cntract. Examples f issues that may be subject t prprtinate disciplinary actin, up t and including dismissal are: Deliberate disregard fr persnal safety and/r safety f thers which is assciated with the use f intxicating substances, whether r nt this is as a result f dependence r addictin. Unacceptable behaviur in the wrkplace assciated with the use f intxicating substances, whether r nt this is as a result f dependence r addictin. Being fund incapable f perfrming nrmal duties satisfactrily and safely as a result f cnsuming alchl r taking drugs, whether r nt this is as a result f dependence r addictin. Pssessin, cnsumptin, dealing/trafficking, selling and/r strage f cntrlled drugs either n Cnciliatin Resurces premises r the premises f rganisatins supprted by, r wrking with Cnciliatin Resurces, r engaging in such activities utside f wrk, subject t the caveat in the sectin, Cntrlled Drugs. Fr an emplyee, vlunteer r cnsultant that is are expressly required t drive a vehicle fr Cnciliatin Resurces wrk purpses, being disqualified frm driving as a result f alchl r drug related ffences. Making malicius r vexatius allegatins that a clleague is misusing intxicating substances. Where evidence warrants, Cnciliatin Resurces will infrm the plice r relevant lcal authrities f illegal drug use r any activity r behaviur related t drugs r alchl ver which there are cncerns as t its legality. END / Nvember 2012 Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 6 f 8

7 Appendix A t P/15/12 Pssible Indicatrs f Alchl r Drug Misuse Alchl r drug misuse impairs judgement, cncentratin and c-rdinatin amngst ther prblems. The fllwing are signs f pssible alchl r drug misuse. It is imprtant t nte that these can als be caused by ther factrs, such as stress, physical illness, mental health issues r the effects f prescriptin drugs; each case shuld be cnsidered n its merits and yu shuld nt autmatically assume that alchl r drugs are the cause. If yu have any cncerns that an emplyee r clleague may be sme shwing sme f these signs yu shuld, in the first instance, cnfidentially raise the matter with the Directr f Operatins r Executive Directr. Erratic perfrmance Unusual irritability r aggressin Dilated pupils Hand tremr Increased incidents f accidents r near misses Overcnfidence Inapprpriate behaviur Sudden md changes frm extreme happiness t severe depressin Reduced respnse times A tendency t becme cnfused Reduced prductivity Absenteeism Pr time-keeping Indiscipline Reduced cncern fr persnal appearance Deteriratin in relatinship with clleagues, partners, cnsultants, r thers invlved with Cnciliatin Resurces Dishnesty r theft Financial irregularities Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 7 f 8

8 Appendix B t P/15/12 Agencies and Supprt Mechanisms Cnciliatin Resurces Emplyee Assistance Prgramme - Username: crnerju12 r call Samaritans: r [email protected] Alchlics Annymus: r [email protected] r call the largest self-help grup fr peple wh acknwledge they cannt handle alchl, and want a new way f life withut it. The service is free. Alchl Cncern: Is the natinal agency n alchl misuse campaigning fr effective alchl plicy and imprved services fr peple whse lives are affected by alchl-related prblems. Alchl services: NHS: Drinkline: The natinal drink helpline phne number is A gvernment funded free service prviding advice t the drinker r anybdy cncerned abut the drinker. It has a database f lcal supprt and treatment services. Emplyee s General Practitiner r Dctr. Adfam Natinal: and the largest nn-statutry rganisatin that wrks with and n behalf f families affected by drug and alchl prblems. Helpline numbers Al-Ann Family Grups (fr peple wrried abut smene else s drinking) r Families Annymus FRANK: r n a smart phne r [email protected]. This is a cnfidential, annymus, discreet and well infrmed service ready t ffer advice, infrmatin and supprt n drugs issues. FRANK is als available by phne n and is available in 120 languages. Yu can als SMS n Narctics Annymus: r call the largest self help grup fr peple wh want t stp using drugs. Services are free. Ccaine Annymus: r [email protected] r call , lines pen daily between10:00 22:00 a natinal self help grup specifically fr ccaine users. NHS: rt Re-Slv: r call , lines pen 09:00 17:00 Mnday t Friday (excluding public hlidays). A natinal charity prviding infrmatin fr the preventin f slvent and vlatile substance abuse. Shared_Files:Operatins:Plicies_Guidelines:Drafts:Alchl and Drugs in the Wrkplace:Plicy Dcument.dcx Page 8 f 8