Q & A with RTS: All things Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing

At Randox Testing Services, we are always trying to think of new ways to get the message across the positive impact workplace drug & alcohol testing can have on an organisation. So, we decided to speak with one of our colleagues; Simon Tibbo, who is regularly engaging with companies about how to be proactive in minimising the risks of substance misuse.

Read below to find out what he had to say.

From your experience and knowledge, what industries are currently implementing testing programmes?

Apart from the finance industry, I’ve personally seen testing programmes within almost all business sectors. From the obvious safety critical industries such as rail, maritime, construction and logistics, all the way through to manufacturing firms, retail outlets, even predominantly clerical companies. If a company has a workplace substance misuse policy and are looking to satisfactorily enforce the terms within the policy then they will be engaged with a service provider, such as Randox, to properly support the policy.

What are, in your opinion, the barriers that companies face when trying to implement working drug & alcohol testing?

The introduction of a substance misuse policy to an already existing ‘company handbook’ can be a challenge, especially if the work-force has been established for some time. People don’t tend to like change, especially within the workplace. Unions can sometimes be unwelcoming to the idea of random testing and will often look to restrict the scope of testing or the policy itself. I’d say that each industry/company will likely meet its own barriers whilst developing and implementing a policy, and some may well be unique to the individual circumstances. Often customers may implement an amnesty period prior to the commencement of a drug testing programme. This gives employees the opportunity to come forward and declare if they have a substance misuse issue which they can address together with their employer without sanctions.

Why has there been a delay in some companies developing workplace policies that directly relate to substance misuse?

There could be many reasons as to why a company hasn’t implemented a policy, but I’d expect somewhere near the top of that list would be either the assumption there isn’t a substance misuse issue within the business/industry, the worry that a substance misuse issue within the business/industry is highlighted by the introduction of a policy, and therefore creating more problems than its seen to be solving, or even that a company is simply unaware the solution is available and beneficial.

How important within a policy is it that a company clearly outlines what is expected of an employee, and the consequences of substance misuse?

Very! A policy needs to be clear and concise in its structure and procedures. If you aren’t explaining the terms or the consequences you could potentially end up with a problematic HR process and unresolvable tribunal cases. If an employee has sight of a straightforward policy they will know what to expect if the terms are breached, not to mention enforcing it should be equally as straightforward. It is also important to state why the policy is in place – i.e. to protect the workforce, the public and the company reputation.

Is it important to state cut-offs in substance misuse policies?

For alcohol, yes, most certainly. For drugs, not so much. An alcohol test with a home office approved breathalyser will provide an evidential result, which can be directly related to a ‘site cut-off’ (in the same manner as the existence of a road legal limit). Workplace drug testing should adhere to specific guidelines set-out by the EWDTS (European Workplace Drug Testing Society) in not just it’s procedures, but also its expected substance cut-offs. The cut-offs differ between substances so it’s not quite as straightforward. My suggestion would always be, if you feel it necessary to include drug cut-off information, refer to the EWDTS guidelines, they’re available to download on the EWDTS website if anyone needs sight, but ensure your provider is working to them and don’t go into full details. It will serve only to add unnecessary bulk to what should ideally be a streamlined policy.

How effective has workplace testing been in helping companies reduce the risk of drug & alcohol use?

From personal experience I can tell you, I’ve seen companies implement a policy/testing practice due to an awareness of substance misuse, only to reduce the volume of testing over time as the approach has proved successful in reducing or eradicating the specific problem. I’d say that’s a testament to implementing a random testing practice, it sends a sensible message in a fair and balanced manner, which ultimately gets results. If it’s done right, it’s going to be beneficial; even if it’s not particularly well received at its inception. Other examples where testing volume has been scaled back have led to an increase in the rates of positives, demonstrating that an active testing programme is a deterrent to substance misuse.

Going forward, what industries do you see adopting a more proactive approach in use of substance misuse testing?

Likely most industries, every company has a duty of care to staff, contractors, visitors and/or the public. There will always be industries that don’t agree, don’t want to uncover issues or don’t believe they exist, but it’s the people that matter and the more that’s done to promote safety, welfare and overall good practice, the more industries will settle to the idea.

About Randox Testing Services

Randox Testing Services offer a wide range of products and services for the testing of illicit substances. We can craft customised packages to suit the needs of our customers, no matter what the industry.

Our expertise and experience working within this industry allow us to provide a range of testing solutions that will impact the risk of substance use in the workplace. With an extensive collection network and quality products, we can meet the needs of your business.

To find out more, contact us:

Email: testingservices@randox.com

Phone: +44 (0) 28 9442 2413