Misc. Topics

INTRODUCTION

The HSE has produced a useful leaflet 'Drug Misuse at Work - a Guide for Employers' from which the following advice has been summarised. (The leaflet also gives details on the most commonly misused substances in the UK) In this element drug misuse will refer to the use of illegal drugs and the misuse, whether deliberate or unintentional, of prescribed drugs and substances such as solvents. You should be aware of the implications to both your employees and business of not tackling drug misuse, particularly where safety is involved. Successfully tackling drug misuse can give benefits as follows:

Signs of drug misuse can include the following: -

* sudden mood changes
* unusual irritability or aggression
* a tendency to become confused
* abnormal fluctuations in concentration / energy
* impaired job performance
* poor time-keeping
* increased short-term sickness absence
* a deterioration in working relationships
* dishonesty and theft
* a deterioration in dress and physical appearance
* the development of new and regular behaviour patterns
* the presence of drug taking paraphenalia

THE LEGAL POSITION

If you knowingly allow an employee under the influence of drug misuse to continue working and his or her behaviour places the employee or others at risk, you may be liable under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that any person driving, or attempting to drive, vehicles on a road or other public place whilst unfit to drive through drugs, is guilty of an offence.

If you knowingly permit the production/supply of any controlled drugs, the smoking of cannabis or certain other activities to take place on your premises you could be committing an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.The penalties for offences involving controlled drugs depend on the classification of the drug (Class A, B or C)

TAKING ACTION

Step 1 - Find out if you have a problem by considering the factors listed above

Step 2 - Decide what to do. This could include thinking about the following:-

* Awareness raising programme for all staff (including on induction)
* Training for (line) managers and supervisors
* Support mechanisms for those with a drug problem
* The need for confidentiality
* Any safety-critical aspects of your work
* Consulting employees
* Talking to local drug misuse and health promotion agencies

Step 3 - Taking Action. A drugs misuse policy may cover the following:-

* Aims
* Responsibilities
* Definitions
* Organisational rules
* Safeguards
* Confidentiality
* Sources of help and information
* Disciplinary action

Step 4 - review if your actions or policy are working

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS

The HSE leaflet lists a wide range of organisations that may be of use. The following three may be of particular use initially.

ORGANISATION CONTACT DETAILS

National Drugs Help Line 0800 776600 Free, confidential, 24hours a day

NHS Trust Health Promotion Service A health promotion specialist is available to give advice/support etc. on drugs misuse and training issues

Alcohol and Drugs Advisory Service(ADAS) (01203)385688 A free and confidential service offering advice, information and counselling to people who have a drink, drug or tranquilliser problem

REFERENCES / FURTHER DETAILS

1. INDG91 'Drug Misuse at Work - a Guide for Employers':
2. Institute for the Study of Drug Dependence 'Drug Abuse Briefing' 32 Loman Street, London, SE1 0EE.
3. HSE Books:

4. HSE website: