Key reading:
Impact of alcohol problems on the workplace
Alcohol Concern, 2006
This article looks at the evidence of prevalence of alcohol problems in the workplace and the level of harm it causes. It examines the underlying risk factors for problem drinking at work and looks at a variety of approaches that have been taken to tackle this problem.
Web: http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/files/20060307_081503_Workplace%20Feb%202006.pdf (PDF)
Achieving smoke freedom toolkit
A joint production between the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and Action on Smoking and Health, (ASH), 2005
This guide is intended to help local decision makers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and particularly Councillors and Council Officers, to frame tobacco control policies for their areas within existing legislation. The toolkit contains the latest expert advice on key issues including the law relating to secondhand tobacco pollution and the case for making use of the control measures currently available, as well as examples of action already being taken by local authorities throughout England and Wales. We have been particularly pleased to include material from the Irish Republic, and we take this opportunity to congratulate them on the clear and comprehensive measures they have taken, which by all reports have been both effective and well received.
web: http://www.cieh.org/library/Knowledge/Public_health/
Smoking_in_the_workplace/ManualA0090.pdf (PDF 1.4MB)
Guidelines on developing and implementing workplace drugs and alcohol policies
Health and Safety Executive, Northern Ireland. 2004.
This aim of these guidelines is to: prevent drug and alcohol problems affecting the workplace through awareness raising; identify problems at the earliest stage; protect the health, safety and welfare of employees by offering support to those who have a problem. The guidelines extend to alcohol, illicit drugs and ‘over the counter’ or prescription medication which may be abused. Volatile substances such as solvents are also included. They do not extend to tobacco.
Web: http://www.hseni.gov.uk/
Download: Full report (PDF 230KB)
Drug testing in the workplace: summary conclusions of the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work
Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work , 2004.
This is a summary of the findings of the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work.
Download: Report summary (PDF 141KB)
Drug testing in the workplace: the report of the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work. Full document
Independent Inquiry Into Drug Testing Testing at Work, 2004.
Drawing on evidence from a wide range of professionals and experts, this report examines: the context for today’s debate about workplace testing; the business case for testing; the scientific, legal, ethical, social, economic and cultural dimensions; and the growth and development of testing in the UK.
Download: Full report (PDF 433KB)
Drug Tests
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. POST, 2004.
This briefing looks at the prevalence of drug use, the types of test currently available and their reliability, the extent of their use, and examines the issues that arise.
Web: http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_offices/post.cfm
Download: Post note (PDF 144KB)
Drug Testing at Work: Legal and Ethical Issues
Simon Deakin, 2004.
The purpose of this note is to describe some of the findings to date on the nature and extent of employment-related drug testing in the UK, and to outline some of the legal issues which arise. It also points the way to possible solutions to the legal uncertainty which currently affects this area. The note is intended to serve as background material for a round table discussion which will take place at the Industrial Law Society’s Annual Conference on 12 September 2003.
Download: Full report (PDF 292KB)
Results of the CBI Survey for the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work
2003.
Drug Testing at Work - CBI Survey into attitudes, prevalence and format of drug testing among a selection of companies.
Download: Survey results (PDF 154KB)
Indepent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work. Advice
Michael Ford, 2003.
This Advice, provided for the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing, deals with the law on drug testing of workers.
Download: Full report (PDF 343KB)
Literature Review for the Independent Inquiry into Drug Testing at Work
Ross Coomber, 2003.
This paper will seek to provide an overview of current issues concerning the use, perceived benefits and efficacy of the use of drug testing programmes in the workplace.
Download: Literature review (PDF 380KB)
Drug Testing at Work. MORI top-line results
Mori, 2003.
Presents results from MORI, the independent research organsiation, into employers attitudes to alhol and drug testing in the workplace. This fieldwork took place between 16th - 25th April, 2003 and is based on responses from 204 UK businesses. Questionnaire included.
Download: Results (PDF 478KB)
Drunk or disordered: A TUC guide to tackling alcohol and drugs at work
TUC, 2001.
Drink and drug related problems are one of the commonest causes of sickness absence, yet a large number of organisations do not have a drug and alcohol policy. Substance misusers jeopardize their own health and can affect the safety of colleagues. This guide shows how proper policies to deal with the effects of substance misuse, and constructive procedures for supporting victims, can achieve far more than testing programmes alone.
Price: £15.00
Web: http://www.tuc.org.uk/publications/
