Pilots arrested after failing alcohol test
Concern broke out in Glasgow airport this week as two pilots were arrested after suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. This occurred shortly before they were due to fly from Glasgow to Toronto.
Air Transat the Canadian airline that was due to fly has released a statement saying, they have been made aware of the arrest on the 18th July of their two crew members assigned to the Glasgow-Toronto flight. They will await further investigation before making any further comments. The men have since appeared in custody at Paisley Sheriff Court.
In the wake of this incident Jock Williams a former Transport Canada flight safety officer believes airlines should start randomly testing pilots.
The Canadian airline said passengers had been put up in hotels while alternative flights were arranged, claiming “The safety of our crews and passengers is, and will remain, a top priority at Air Transat”
At Randox Testing Services the safety of your business is, and will remain, a top priority with us. The aviation industry is a huge industry with 30-40 million flights each year worldwide. Safety within the aviation industry is vital, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) describing any accident as ‘one too many.’
Consequences of knowingly allowing an employee who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol to continue working could lead to legal action being taken. Under The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) it is an offence for an employer to knowingly permit the use of controlled substances on their premises. Ultimately the responsibility lies with the employer.
At Randox Testing Services we work with aviation companies to help implement effective workplace drug and alcohol testing policies. We also offer a range of point of care products as well as a complete drug and alcohol testing service. We work with our customers to make workplaces safer. To find out more contact us at testingservices@randox.com