Business strive for non alcoholic workplaces

Employers are increasingly seeking to make their workplaces alcohol free and to prohibit alcohol intake during working hours. This issue has become even more acute in the recession, as additional stresses have led to increased alcohol intake at a time when businesses are striving to be more productive than ever.

At the minor end of the scale, hangovers can cause sickness absence and low productivity, whilst higher levels of alcohol dependency can result in frequent or long term absenteeism, an increased risk of accidents at work and serious risks to employees’ mental health.

The rail and industrial sectors have already adopted a zero tolerance approach which has resulted in safer working environments and healthier staff. Employers are also striving to increase efficiency and effectiveness of workers, increasing staff morale and reducing absenteeism.

Employers have become more acutely aware of their obligations since the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, with consultancy company Jaluch reporting a rise of around 50% in the number of companies working towards alcohol policies in the last year. Under the Act, employers who allow their employees to work under the influence of alcohol could face prosecution in circumstances where that factor subsequently comes to play a part in the death of the employee or someone else affected by their actions.

Employers are encouraged to couple any alcohol policy with advice and support for employees who have alcohol dependency problems.
HSE’s guidance on drugs and alcohol at work is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs/

If you have any health and safety concerns please contact Vizards Wyeth's Health and Safety Team.