Drug and alcohol testing at work, part 2

Part 2: protocol, chain of custody and quality assurance

Summary:

In the second of a two-part article Helen Vangikar looks at the practicalities of introducing a drug and alcohol policy and the various testing procedures.

In the second of a two-part article Helen Vangikar looks at the practicalities of introducing a drug and alcohol policy and the various testing procedures.

The first article in this series explained the importance of having a robust drug and alcohol policy, detailing an employer’s commitment to supporting individuals, the provision of education and a fair disciplinary procedure¹. This second part discusses the practical aspects of introducing a drug and alcohol testing policy, laboratory selection, which biological samples to use, and the importance of the medical review officer.

If drug and alcohol testing is introduced it is vital that the correct approach and procedures are in place to ensure that robust, legally defensible testing is carried out…

 

Helen Vangikar is an independent toxicology consultant and independent technical assessor for the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. She has developed a number of training courses, including accredited medical review officer courses for occupational health professionals.

 

Author: Vangikar H

Tags drugs and alcohol testing

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2019/2020 (vol. 16/4) pp33-36

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