Fully supported with documentation, the workshop covers every aspect of drug and alcohol misuse and, at the end of the session, delegates will not only understand why a formal policy is needed, but they will also appreciate the legal requirements and implications of that policy. They will also appreciate the risks to health and safety that can be posed by drug and alcohol misuse and be able to recognise illegal drugs as well as signs of possible substance misuse.

As well as how to apply the policy, delegates will also learn about the support that is available and how it can be accessed. Substance testing and associated procedures will also be explained and delegates will be shown how to follow employee briefing and induction programmes regarding the policy. In addition, and equally importantly, delegates will understand the disciplinary procedures and will leave the workshop confident in the knowledge that they will be able to answer frequently asked questions from the workforce.

Why is this necessary?
Where industrial accidents are concerned, such as when operating machinery and driving fork lift trucks or even company cars and delivery vehicles, for example, the consequences of drug and alcohol misuse can lead to serious injury and may even prove to be lethal.

The statistics speak for themselves in that a regular drug user or alcohol misuser is 3.6 times more likely to be involved in an accident at work. They are also 3 times more likely to have sickness absence (8 days or more consecutively), 5 times more likely to claim compensation, can be 33% less production and 10 times more likely to be late.

Drug or alcohol misusers do not conform to any stereotype but the effects of their misuse can not only pose a serious threat to the safety of both themselves and their work colleagues, but it can also harm the business and its reputation. Misuse can lead to short and long term absenteeism, increased levels of illness, lateness amongst employees as well as contractors, poor work performance and lower productivity. In fact, the estimated cost to British industry from drug and alcohol related problems is around £3 Billion a year.

To help combat these effects, more and more organisations are now introducing welfare based substance misuse policies as part of an ongoing health and safety initiative. Policies of this kind should be designed to combine staff welfare and employee welfare issues with the need to meet current health and safety legislation and Human Rights requirements. They should be positive in their approach and both educate and motivate staff whilst providing invaluable assistance to management.

Designed to meet legislative requirements, improve safety, maximise staff retention and minimise lost productivity, Grendonstar's tried and tested approach to the avoidance of drug and alcohol at work has been successfully implemented by both small and large organisations and is currently used by many of the UK's leading employers.

Further information is available from

Simon Truelove
Grendonstar Distribution Limited,
Key House,
The Embankment,
Emery Park,
Vale Road,
Heaton Mersey,
Stockport,
SK4 3GN.

Tel: 0044 (0) 161 443 0000
Fax: 0044 (0) 161 443 0040

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