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August 4 2015

HR's Checklist for Dealing with Substance Misuse in a Workforce

An employee's use of illegal drugs, whether at work or at home, can affect relationships with colleagues, increase absence, reduce productivity and cause an unsafe working environment. The possession of illegal drugs, and buying or selling them, also exposes employees to the risk of criminal charges. Employers have a legal duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees. This involves providing a safe place (and systems) of work. What this requires of the employer will depend on the nature of the business and the particular role of the employee concerned. The Information Commissioner's Office has issued good practice guidance which contains some recommendations for situations where drug testing will or will not be acceptable.