Testing times

Summary:

Substance misuse policies can play an important part in helping to identify and support employees with drug or alcohol problems; however, employers should take great care when it comes to workplace drug and alcohol testing.

An employer undertaking workplace drug and alcohol testing must act fairly and follow a robust policy. The employer needs a good reason for asking an employee to take a test – being intoxicated while in a safety-critical role, for example – and should tread carefully before dismissing an employee who refuses. It should take account of an employee’s explanation for refusing a test, and any medical evidence…

Author: Ballard J

Tags case law depression disability drugs and alcohol testing equality act hr - human resources mental health reasonable adjustments

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2017 (vol. 14/3) pp03

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