Staff Resources

Illegal drugs and alcohol – Not in the workplace!

October 23, 2012

The fact that some people use substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs, or that some people misuse prescription drugs is not new. The use of alcohol or drugs may adversely affect the ability of a person to work in a safe manner. Employees are often working independently with equipment or materials that may pose a threat to the safety of the workplace and the property at the workplace if handled without proper care and attention.

There are two ways in which people who have taken alcohol or other drugs are at greater risk for injury than other people are. First, they are more likely to get injured. Second, in the same circumstances, an intoxicated person is likely to be hurt more seriously than they would have been if they were not intoxicated.
In general, what are the effects of various types of substances?
Western Camp Services has a Drug and Alcohol Policy which can be found in all camps in the HSE Manual, Chapter 9—Health and Hygiene Control.

The policy is intended to remind all employees of the risks associated with the use of alcohol and drugs and provide understandable and predictable responses when an employee’s conduct jeopardizes the safety of the work-place. The Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy imposes the smallest burden on any rights an employee may have under the various Provincial Human Rights legislation and at the same time is equally effective in promoting the purposes of the policy. By utilizing the policy, the company promotes the following:

• The safety and dignity of our employees,
• Respects the confidentiality and privacy of all individuals covered by this policy,
• Respects the best interests of the company, its clients and the public.
• While performing company business or while on company/camp site premises and property, an employee may not:
• Use, possess, distribute, or offer for sale drugs or drug paraphernalia.
• Use, possess, distribute or offer for sale alcohol.
• Use a company vehicle or operate equipment/machinery or engage in company business while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Be unfit for work due to the use or after-effects of alcohol, drugs or prescription drugs.
• Report to work or work with a presence in the body of alcohol or drugs or their metabolites as per the chemicals and the associated cut off concentration levels.

Please refer to the HSE Manual for further information and details.

Posted in: Spotlight on Safety