Safety Glossary
Safety Glossary
ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE |
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Can I have an alcoholic drink at lunchtime?
No, not if you are intending to return to work afterwards.
You are not permitted to drink alcohol during breaks, including lunch breaks, during working hours, immediately before work, when on call or standby or during formal social events when representing the Council.
Can we have an alcoholic drink in the office on the last day before the Christmas break?
No – you are not permitted to drink alcohol during working hours, not even if you book out for a break. There are no exceptions.
Does the Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy apply to Elected Members as well as employees?
Yes.
If any of my employees arrive at work and I have good reason to think they have been drinking, for example because I can smell alcohol on their breath, what should I do?
If you suspect someone has been drinking, or misusing drugs, you should:
- consult with Human Resources on the appropriate action to take;
- advise them that you suspect they have been drinking/using drugs, and give the reason why you think so;
- advise them that they are not permitted to remain in work;
- if they have a vehicle at work, do not permit them to drive it away but make other arrangements for them to leave;
- instruct them to return to work the following day when they should be interviewed (in the company of a colleague or trade union representative, if they so wish).
If I confide to my manager that I have an alcohol or drug dependence problem, will the Council provide me with any support?
Yes, the Council will:
- make every effort to deal with the situation sympathetically and in confidence;
- refer you to the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Unit for assistance;
- provide an impartial and confidential counselling service.
If I have to drive as part of my job and I lose my licence through driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, will I lose my job?
Quite possibly, although the Council will consider the possibility of alternative work first.
What do I do if I have an alcoholic drink at lunchtime?
If you have had a drink of alcohol during your lunchtime, then you must not return to work afterwards and must request to book annual leave for the remainder of the day, or make use of the flexible working time arrangements.
What if I have a medical condition that means I have to take drugs prescribed by my doctor?
There is no problem with employees taking drugs prescribed by their doctor for a medical condition, providing they are taken in accordance with the prescription and not misused.
What is meant by substance misuse?
Substance misuse is the:
- use of illegal drugs; or
- the misuse of legal drugs prescribed by a doctor or similar, i.e. not taking them in accordance with the prescription for their use in order to achieve some effect other than the one intended by the doctor or similar.
What will happen if I am caught using illegal drugs or having illegal drugs in my possession at work?
- since the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 makes it an offence for a person to knowingly allow drugs to be used, kept or supplied on their premises, the Council will be under a legal obligation to inform the police;
- it will be considered gross misconduct and disciplinary proceedings will be invoked, which could lead to dismissal.