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Keith Gorman
Alcohol and the workplace
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What will be covered
Current UK and local position
How alcohol can affect business
Identifying problems in the workplace
Alcohol policies
Legal issues
Support and referrals
Gaining further information/ resources
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Current UK and local position
Cabinet office 2003
17 million workdays lost each year England
£6.4 billion each year – economic costs
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Health@Work/ JMU research study
Employer responses
• 28% companies have been negatively affected by alcohol
• 1/3 negatively affected by employee drinking outside of work
• Over half employers thought alcohol contributed to sickness absence
• Several employers had dealt with alcohol related problems with employees (some resulting in dismissal)
• Most noted sickness levels increased following sporting events (football, rugby etc) the night before
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Employee responses
1/6 reported being late as result of alcohol consumption
1 in 5 reported arriving at work with hangover at least once in past 2 weeks
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How can alcohol affect organisations?
DIRECT
Employees health Unsafe acts Civil claims for injuries/ damages Loss of productivity – increase sickness absence Low staff moral Customer relations/ public perception Breaking of the law
INDIRECT
Management time dealing with problems, friction with employees, higher staff turnover, disciplinary actions, health and safety implications
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How to identify problems
Poor performance/ timekeeping Increased sickness absence Deteriorating relationships Accidents/ incidents Mood swings, anxiety and
depression Changes in personal appearance
Providing suitable staff training and information will help identify
problems early
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Why have a written policy?
Clarify position
Explain how organisation will deal with problems
Show level of support for people with problems
Build confidence in coming forward for help
Send out clear message to employees that alcohol
and work do not mix
Comply with employment and health and safety law
Clear procedure to effectively manage alcohol
related problems at early stage
Shows that employer is proactive with healthy
workplace
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What does a good policy look like?
Alcohol, Drug and Substance Misuse PolicyActive date: 26.04.07
Introduction
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority (‘the Authority’) is concerned with the general health, wellness and welfare of all its employees and to this end aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel.
This document sets out the Authority’s policy in respect of employees whose proper performance, whilst at work, is impaired as a result of the taking of drugs or the consumption of alcohol.
Aims of the Policy Misuse of alcohol and drugs has the potential to adversely affect the health and quality of life of the individual, impair the ability to carry out duties efficiently, effectively and safely, jeopardise the safety of other personnel and members of the public and, ultimately impair the ability of the Authority to fulfil its commitments.
Raising Awareness The Authority will institute a programme of health promotion initiatives, which will ensure that employees are made aware of the problems and risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse , the signs and symptoms of abuse, and the method of seeking confidential treatment, guidance and advice.
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•Management Responsibilities
•Individual Responsibilities
•Alcohol/Substance Abuse Pathway of Care
•Referral and Diagnosis
•Employee Voluntarily or Occupational Health
•Agreed Treatment Programme
•Assessment Period
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Legal issues
Health and Safety at Work Act
Transport and Works Act
Railway and Transport safety Act
Management of Health and Safety at Work
Reg’s
Provision and use of Work Equipment Reg’s
Corporate Manslaughter
Employment rights Act
Civil actions
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Alcohol risk assessmentActivity Hazard Risk Controls Further
controls Employee operating dangerous machinery under influence of alcohol
•Inability to operate machinery•Delayed reactions•Affected judgement
Likely•Injury to employee•Injury to others•Damage to equipment
•Safe use of equipment assessed•Employee training•Management supervision
•Accidents/ incidents monitored for alcohol influence•Develop and circulate policy
Knowingly allowing employees to work under influence
•Allowing potentially unsafe acts•Ignoring problems•Not dealing with issues
•Injury to employees and others•Company liable to prosecutions and civil claims•Potential damage to work equipment
•Staff issued with copy of policy at induction•Staff informed – working under influence not acceptable
•Refresher information circulated regularly•Supervisors made aware of policy and need to police policy
Attending meetings offsite where alcohol is available
•Driving under influence•Allowing potentially unsafe acts
•Legal aspect of driving under influence, loss of licence, accidents, deaths•Client perception, damage to business
•Policy in place and circulated•Employees not allowed to drink during work hours•Provide taxi/ transport
•Training, information and supervision
Hosting corporate event
•Unsafe acts•Fights•Slips, trips, falls•Claims for injury/ damages
•Injury to employees or others
•Organise event in safe environment•Offer non alcoholic drinks•Provide food•Organise transport
•Managers do not drink during event•Transport arranged
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Supporting staff
Clear policy
What support is offered
Access to leaflets and information
Occupational health
Share best practice
Referred to specialist
Paid time off
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Hosting events
Increase in civil claims Accidents Fights/ Bullying Sexual harassment claims
Positive actions include: Organise well in advance Provide food Alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks Transport Serve measures
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Gaining further information/ resources
Local primary care trusts & health promotions department
British heart foundation
Drink Aware
www.orderline.dh.gov.uk
www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk
www.pssst.org.uk
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Keith Gorman
Alcohol and the workplace
0151 236 6608www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk