Random Breath Test at Work.
Discussion
)gus607 said:
This is not in our contract of employment, but, a new clause will be added soon which we will HAVE to sign.
There are better qualified souls on here to comment on that element - but I'm not sure there's a legal 'have to' about signing a change in your terms and conditions.It is not a question of signing up to new terms of employment. Providing that the employer deals with the introduction reasonably this is not an unreasonable thing for him to do and not least if the nature of the business is one where the influence of alcohol could create serious safety concerns.
Providing that your employer does not discriminate as to who is selected for testing and assuming the regularity of such testing does not become so often that it becomes over intrusive it is not an unreasonable thing for your employer to do.
The bigger issue is how will the outcome be acted upon. Employment, unlike driving, is not generally regarded as having a “fixed limit” although it is of course possible and acceptable for this to be established and to be written into new conditions of employment and for an appropriate policy to be introduced to cover existing employees. This is a very good example of something that should be subject to employer/employee consultation.
I was a director of a business that introduced random drug testing. The company concerned employed truck and van drivers and although there was no legal obligation for the company to take this step through consultation with employees there was a consensus that it was a responsible thing to do. Subsequently we also introduced targeted testing where it was considered that there was due cause and this did result in staff being disciplined and dismissed.
Providing that your employer does not discriminate as to who is selected for testing and assuming the regularity of such testing does not become so often that it becomes over intrusive it is not an unreasonable thing for your employer to do.
The bigger issue is how will the outcome be acted upon. Employment, unlike driving, is not generally regarded as having a “fixed limit” although it is of course possible and acceptable for this to be established and to be written into new conditions of employment and for an appropriate policy to be introduced to cover existing employees. This is a very good example of something that should be subject to employer/employee consultation.
I was a director of a business that introduced random drug testing. The company concerned employed truck and van drivers and although there was no legal obligation for the company to take this step through consultation with employees there was a consensus that it was a responsible thing to do. Subsequently we also introduced targeted testing where it was considered that there was due cause and this did result in staff being disciplined and dismissed.
Normally Random Drugs & Alcohol testing falls within the remit of the company Health & Safety policy rather than your contract of employment.
You will already be required to comply & co-operate with the companies health & Safety measures under you r employment contract and no separate acceptance would be required.
Our own policies are designed to mirror the requirements of our clients who prohibit anyone being under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work.
You will already be required to comply & co-operate with the companies health & Safety measures under you r employment contract and no separate acceptance would be required.
Our own policies are designed to mirror the requirements of our clients who prohibit anyone being under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Perhaps he isn't British and doesn't need to be supervised to ensure he isn't turning up for work ratarsed. I worked in the UK Rail Industry where this is policy yet when I visited the Company Offices in Europe beer and wine was on sale in the canteen, in fact you were offered Gluhwein at reception in the winterYou may well find your company has no choice but to instigate random alcohol and drugs testing, for example the Crossrail project in London has a condition that all contractors must have such testing in place - no testing, no job.
Why anyone would object is beyond me (and yes I do drink, a lot, but not at work)
Why anyone would object is beyond me (and yes I do drink, a lot, but not at work)
[quote=MercScot]You may well find your company has no choice but to instigate random alcohol and drugs testing, for example the Crossrail project in London has a condition that all contractors must have such testing in place - no testing, no job.
I can believe most people will not drink at work, but what about the next morning, after the
night before?
I can believe most people will not drink at work, but what about the next morning, after the
night before?
The US company my OH works for has a similar policy. One strike and you're out and they do enforce it. This goes for all staff including office workers. The policy doesn't state what the limit is so she has to be very careful on an evening out before work.
Thankfully this usually means she does the
and I do the 
Thankfully this usually means she does the
and I do the toasty said:
The US company my OH works for has a similar policy. One strike and you're out and they do enforce it. This goes for all staff including office workers. The policy doesn't state what the limit is so she has to be very careful on an evening out before work.
Thankfully this usually means she does the and I do the
The limit will be same as UK drink driving limit.Thankfully this usually means she does the
and I do the jagracer said:
jimbo65 said:
I can believe most people will not drink at work, but what about the next morning, after the
night before?
I thought that was the idea, so you don't turn up for work under the influence.night before?
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