1 / 17

Keith Gorman Alcohol and the workplace

Keith Gorman Alcohol and the workplace. What will be covered. Current UK and local position How alcohol can affect business Identifying problems in the workplace Alcohol policies Legal issues Support and referrals Gaining further information/ resources. Current UK and local position.

ronnie
Download Presentation

Keith Gorman Alcohol and the workplace

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Keith Gorman Alcohol and the workplace

  2. What will be covered • Current UK and local position • How alcohol can affect business • Identifying problems in the workplace • Alcohol policies • Legal issues • Support and referrals • Gaining further information/ resources

  3. Current UK and local position Cabinet office 2003 • 17 million workdays lost each year England • £6.4 billion each year – economic costs

  4. Health@Work/ JMU research study • Employer responses • 28% companies have been negatively affected by alcohol • 1/3 negatively affected by employee drinking outside of work • Over half employers thought alcohol contributed to sickness absence • Several employers had dealt with alcohol related problems with employees (some resulting in dismissal) • Most noted sickness levels increased following sporting events (football, rugby etc) the night before

  5. Employee responses 1/6 reported being late as result of alcohol consumption 1 in 5 reported arriving at work with hangover at least once in past 2 weeks

  6. How can alcohol affect organisations? DIRECT • Employees health • Unsafe acts • Civil claims for injuries/ damages • Loss of productivity – increase sickness absence • Low staff moral • Customer relations/ public perception • Breaking of the law INDIRECT Management time dealing with problems, friction with employees, higher staff turnover, disciplinary actions, health and safety implications

  7. How to identify problems • Poor performance/ timekeeping • Increased sickness absence • Deteriorating relationships • Accidents/ incidents • Mood swings, anxiety and depression • Changes in personal appearance Providing suitable staff training and information will help identify problems early

  8. Why have a written policy? • Clarify position • Explain how organisation will deal with problems • Show level of support for people with problems • Build confidence in coming forward for help • Send out clear message to employees that alcohol and work do not mix • Comply with employment and health and safety law • Clear procedure to effectively manage alcohol related problems at early stage • Shows that employer is proactive with healthy workplace

  9. What does a good policy look like? Alcohol, Drug and Substance Misuse Policy Active date: 26.04.07 Introduction • Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority (‘the Authority’) is concerned with the general health, wellness and welfare of all its employeesand to this end aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all personnel. • This document sets out the Authority’s policy in respect of employees whose proper performance, whilst at work, is impaired as a result of the taking of drugs or the consumption of alcohol. • Aims of the Policy • Misuse of alcohol and drugs has the potential to adversely affect the health and quality of life of the individual, impair the ability to carry out duties efficiently, effectively and safely, jeopardise the safety of other personnel and members of the public and, ultimately impair the ability of the Authority to fulfil its commitments. • Raising Awareness • The Authority will institute a programme of health promotion initiatives, which will ensure that employees are made aware of the problems and risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse, the signs and symptoms of abuse, and the method of seeking confidential treatment, guidance and advice.

  10. Management Responsibilities • Individual Responsibilities • Alcohol/Substance Abuse Pathway of Care • Referral and Diagnosis • Employee Voluntarily or Occupational Health • Agreed Treatment Programme • Assessment Period

  11. Legal issues • Health and Safety at Work Act • Transport and Works Act • Railway and Transport safety Act • Management of Health and Safety at Work Reg’s • Provision and use of Work Equipment Reg’s • Corporate Manslaughter • Employment rights Act • Civil actions

  12. Alcohol risk assessment

  13. Supporting staff • Clear policy • What support is offered • Access to leaflets and information • Occupational health • Share best practice • Referred to specialist • Paid time off

  14. Hosting events Increase in civil claims • Accidents • Fights/ Bullying • Sexual harassment claims Positive actions include: • Organisewell in advance • Provide food • Alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks • Transport • Serve measures

  15. Gaining further information/ resources • Local primary care trusts & health promotions department • British heart foundation • Drink Aware • www.orderline.dh.gov.uk • www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk • www.pssst.org.uk

  16. Health@Work resources www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk

  17. Keith Gorman Alcohol and the workplace 0151 236 6608 www.healthatworkcentre.org.uk

More Related