Health And Safety Frequently Asked Questions

Find below Health and Safety Frequently Asked Questions and their answers. If you have more questions contact us or phone us on 0161 935 8282. 

Alcohol and Drug Screening FAQs

What are the benefits of introducing a Drug and Alcohol screening and testing in your business?

The numbers of employees working while under the influence of Drugs and Alcohol is growing year on year and this makes the user 33% less productive, 3 times as likely to be late, 4 times as likely to hurt others at work or themselves, 5 times as likely to sue for compensation and 10 times as likely to miss work.

Introducing alcohol and drug screening is a proven low cost strategy that identifies those needing help, cuts down on accidents and sickness leave, reduces compensation claims, improves attendance and increases productivity. Ultimately it protects you and your business. 

What if I believe that my employees are not working under the influence of drugs or alcohol? 

This is a common belief amongst Managing Directors and CEO's but if the police suspect that one in five road accidents are caused  by drug related problems and that one in seven deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal drink drive limit, can you really be sure that there are no drug users within your employees?

43% of people surveyed in a recent crime survey were reported to have consumed an illegal substance in their lives (14% within the last month)

We cant implement a drug and alcohol policy because of the Union

Wrong. The trade Unions strongly back a responsible drug and alcohol policy. With the emphasis on education and rehabilitation you will enhance the employer, employee relationship.

The TUC, along with the Institute of Personnel and Development, Institute of Directors, HSE and the Police, have all recently endorsed a national initiative for business and industry, to acknowledge  the problem of substance abuse in the workplace and to develop policies based on welfare principles.

I recognise the need for testing but is it an expensive process?

No! Drug and Alcohol screenign and tests are inexpensive and most companies who adopt a policy benefit from greater productivity and fewer costly incidents.

A negative £3 Billion a year loss is the estimated cost to British Industry from drug and alcohol related issues. 
 

General Health and Safety FAQs

What is the most important health and safety legislation that I should observe?

Clearly, different sectors have different specific health and safety rules. However, the main legislation that applies to health and safety at work in general is the Health and Safety Act of 1974. This Act says that people at work have a legal obligation to take reasonable measures for their own health and safety, as well as for anyone who may be affected by what they do or what they omit to do. Many of the specific associated regulations then came into force from 1989 to 1999. Talk to your ProActive Health & Safety consultant to see how these may affect you.

What details do I need to include on the new health and safety law poster?

There are three sections that must be completed. Firstly, the one for Employee Representative (a person or persons elected by the employees); this section may be left blank if as an employer, you consult directly with employees on these issues. Secondly, the Management Representative: this is the person that is appointed by you, as an employer – it could be yourself. And thirdly, the Enforcing Authority for your business. We can confirm this to you if you require.
 

Can a person be left alone at their place of work?

Legislation and common sense both play an essential part in answering this question. From a risk assessment, you can ascertain whether the situation reasonably allows an employee to work alone, and whether you have made sufficient efforts to avoid or contain risks. Instruction and training may be required. In some instances, the age or the gender of the person may also be a deciding factor. In any case, a person working alone should not be more at risk than any other employee. You can discuss your particular case with us, if you would like to know more.
 

What first aid provision do I need?

As an employer, you must provide adequate and appropriate first aid facilities for your employees. For 50 employees or more, at least one qualified first aider should be appointed. Concerning the public, the First Aid Regulations of 1981 do not make any requirements for providing first aid in this case. However, it is clear that when you authorise members of the public to be present in your establishment, the overall health and safety regulations still apply. If you have questions about your obligations, let us know so that you can find out more about them.
 

Do I need an accident book?

When employing 10 persons or more, the answer is yes. The references that apply are the Social Security Claims and Payments Regulations 1979, and B1510 for the accident book itself. You also need to ensure that personal data used for this purpose is kept secure. However, whatever the number of employees that you have, an accident book even if it is not a legal obligation is still good working practice. By recording details of any accident leading to injury, you also have a better chance of preventing it from occurring again.
 

How do I report an accident at work?

In general, reports need to be made to the Health and Safety Executive ICC (Incident Contact Centre). Reports will need to be made for different work-related accidents, dangerous occurrences and diseases or conditions. Deaths, major injuries or injuries causing the hospitalisation of a member of the public must be reported immediately. If you find yourself in a situation similar or identical to these, then either contact the HSE Centre at 0845 300 9923, or Contact Us at ProActive Health & Safety on 0161 935 8282.