MEPMIS

Guidance on alcohol and drug misuse in the workplace

This guidance is intended to give pragmatic support to occupational physicians in addressing problems of alcohol and drug misuse in the workplace. It sets out the actions to be taken, in the face of difficult situations, and aims to help the occupational physician to ensure a fair and consistent approach. Whilst aimed primarily at occupational physicians, this guidance will also be of assistance to other healthcare professionals, managers, employees, human resources staff and trade union representatives. It explains why and how a workplace policy should be implemented, whether to test for alcohol and drugs and how this should be carried out, fitness for work and rehabilitation. In the course of this, the guidance refers to the ethical and legal aspects of dealing with alcohol and drug problems at work, and clarifies roles and procedures.