Drug and alcohol misuse can affect concentration, reaction times, judgement and behaviour, potentially increasing the risk of accidents, near misses and performance concerns. Employers have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act to protect, so far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees, while employees must also take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their work.
The risks can be particularly significant in safety-critical work, such as driving, operating machinery, working at height or using electrical equipment. A clear drug and alcohol policy, supported by proportionate testing where appropriate, can help organisations manage these risks consistently and fairly.
Testing arrangements are established in advance and should reflect the organisation's risk assessment, safety-critical activities and drug and alcohol policy. Employees should understand when testing may take place, what it involves and how results may be used. Testing should be justified, proportionate and appropriate to the workplace risk.
Trained personnel follow recognised collection and chain-of-custody procedures designed to protect sample integrity and ensure reliable results. Where appropriate, non-negative screening results can be referred for laboratory confirmation in accordance with the agreed testing protocol.
Employers receive clear, timely information appropriate to the purpose of the testing and occupational health referral. Information is limited to what is necessary for management decision-making, with personal and clinical information handled confidentially and in accordance with data protection requirements.
Where concerns are identified, Clarity can provide occupational health advice on fitness for work, appropriate temporary adjustments or restrictions, and signposting or referral for further support. This helps employers manage immediate safety risks while taking a fair and supportive approach to employees who may need help.
Clarity provides a joined‑up set of services so your drug and alcohol policy is practical, understood and enforceable.
Workplace testing programmes – Design and delivery of appropriate drug and alcohol testing arrangements, which may include pre-placement, random, for-cause or post-incident testing where these are justified by the organisation’s risk profile, policy and any applicable industry or regulatory requirements.
On-site and mobile testing – Drug and alcohol testing delivered on site, in clinic or through mobile medical units, using appropriate sample collection and chain-of-custody procedures, with laboratory confirmation where required.
This combination helps you manage workplace drug and alcohol risks consistently, respond appropriately when concerns arise and support a safer working environment.
Policies and testing only work if people understand them. Clarity offers training designed specifically for managers and employees.
Substance misuse toolbox talks Short sessions for employees explaining the risks of drugs, alcohol and other substances, your workplace rules and the support available.
Manager training on drug and alcohol issues Practical courses that help managers recognise potential signs of misuse, understand your policy, handle conversations sensitively and know when and how to escalate.
Integration with wider wellbeing and mental health Training can be linked to your wellbeing initiatives and mental health support, acknowledging that substance misuse can be both a cause and a consequence of wider health issues.
This builds a culture where impairment is taken seriously, but people also understand that early disclosure and seeking help will be treated fairly.
Clarity’s substance misuse support reflects the same values that underpin all services: partnership, inclusiveness, experience and genuine accountability.
Respect and confidentiality Employees are treated with dignity and their information handled discreetly, in line with clinical and legal standards.
Real partnership with employers Clarity works closely with HR, H&S and line managers to design policies and testing regimes that fit your operations, not just a generic template.
Experience and practicality Advice is grounded in real‑world occupational health experience, giving you clear options that can be implemented in busy, multi‑site, shift‑based environments.
A clear, well-communicated drug and alcohol policy helps protect your people, reduce workplace risk and support a safe, productive working environment. Clarity can help you design and deliver practical drug and alcohol policy training that promotes understanding, supports compliance and reflects the realities of your business and workforce.
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