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Illegal drug use and alcohol abuse is a social issue and in a highly hazard environment, such as construction, the effects can have a significant impact on safety. Strong policies and robust testing regimes are required to ensure that the effects of such use and abuse do not pose a risk to safety of people working on our construction sites….

To tie in with the update of the Drugs and Alcohol Policy, Bank Station Capacity Upgrade held an interactive Alcohol Awareness Event. This included a presentation consisting of: Calorie Consumption, Contractual Requirements, Unit Awareness and the Consequences of Alcohol Abuse. Several games with prizes were played to highlight the reason for the Drug and Alcohol Policy including: ‘Guess the Units’…

We hosted an Interview Workshop for women returners who have been out of work for a long period of time at SHAK Community Centre on the Ainsworth Estate, Kilburn London The women have passed interpersonal skills and CV writing course at South Hampstead And Kilburn Community Centre but were worried about going for interviews. We liaised with the Facilities Manager…

In order to ensure the safety of everyone on site, Robertson are carrying out Drug and Alcohol testing on all Safety Critical workers at induction, this is in addition to the random drug testing which will still take place. There are a number of safety critical workers who will undertake testing including, all mobile plant operators, those carrying out tasks…

Contractors must be vigilant against the presence of drugs and alcohol on site, as it is in the interests of everyone on site to remain safe. This can be a particular problem with drivers, as a driver under the influence poses a grave risk to the local community. See the examples below for how one site addressed this: As the gateman…

Worker fatigue poses a potential health and safety hazard, and can be detrimental to the overall health of the workforce. Fatigue can have similar effects to alcohol, slowing down reaction time, causing lapses in judgement, and impairing cognitive ability. This danger is particularly relevant to projects which involve tunnelling, as the long shifts and rotating day and night shifts put workers at greater…

In June 2016 the Scheme’s learning toolkit focused on the health and safety risks associated with drugs and alcohol in the construction industry. A survey conducted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme in 2016 revealed 59% of industry workers felt that there is currently a health and safety issue related to drugs and alcohol. Furthermore, a staggering 65% admitted they have…

Our company’s drugs and alcohol policy includes a clear annual and random testing regime of no less than 20% of the workforce. Proper guidance and support systems will be offered if the individual declares their drug or alcohol problem prior to being tested, encouraging an attitude of stepping forward to gain help. Likewise, anyone refusing testing shall result in disciplinary…

We are committed to maintaining a productive and most importantly, safe workplace. In managing large geographical areas of the strategic road network involving busy transportation pathways and working next to high speed traffic, we must ensure that the safety of the workforce and the public is always of utmost concern, and that our workforce all round awareness is always as…

Due to the diverse workforce on site we have requested the drugs and alcohol testing company bring saliva testing kits with them instead of just urine during Ramadan. This caters for those involved with Ramadan traditions where operatives may struggle to supply sufficient sample due to the reduced intake of liquids.

Although the difference between smoking a cigarette and a e-cigarette, also known as ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery System), may be noticeably different, the understanding on what is acceptable at the workplace can be less obvious. Organisations need a clear policy on whether to allow people to ‘vape’ anywhere, nowhere or restricted areas, to avoid misunderstandings and legal action. The law…

Construction by its nature has many potential risks. One of the risks involves the workforce operating whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Either of these will impair their performance and can lead to them taking safety risks or putting others at risk. Our usual drug and alcohol policy applies to all persons engaged in the works, and some have…

The risk and impact of drugs to an individual can be a serious concern to their own health, as well as others. It is important to take the topic seriously and provide a thorough approach including both regulation and support, when considering the wellbeing and safety of the workforce. Below is an example of how one site introduced drug testing…

Caring for the wellbeing and safety of your employees is crucial in maintaining a happy, healthy workforce and industry image. The focus on health and safety is continuous and can always be enhanced on a construction site. However there are aspects of maintaining a healthy wellbeing that can’t always be noticeably seen and can easily go unnoticed, such as an addiction….

Our Area 12 STEM Ambassador Group arranged a ‘Bring your child to work day’ during the summer holidays to encourage more young people to consider Engineering as a career and provide greater awareness of our construction and engineering activities around the network. This allowed us to reach local communities, to share what we do and why we do what we…