Drink and Drug testing at work.

[MarshPhantom]

I got sent to a commissions job by work yesterday, when I got to site the induction chap informed us that they have people
going around doing random drink / drug test. Thanks to the s at work for informing me about that one.

The options are either take the test, or refuse and be kicked off site.

I'm wondering what would happen if I refused the test work wise, and also is this the thin end of the wedge.

How long until these tests become commonplace at work?

[Mr E]

What does your contract say.

[DuraAce]

I get tested at work. Always fine though as I don't take drugs or turn up for work drunk!

Do you?!

[Rumple]

I've had one about two months ago, I can see why Employers do it, I mean when you see some of the fkwits about, but like you I couldn't help being annoyed by it, for lots of reasons.

[reggie82]

They used to do random drug testing at my old work. I don't take drugs but still thought it was out of order, why do they get a say on what I do in my free time?!

[Matt_N]

reggie82 said:

They used to do random drug testing at my old work. I don't take drugs but still thought it was out of order, why do they get a say on what I do in my free time?!

Not sure if serious?

Quite a common thing in jobs where effects of drink and drugs could impair your ability to perform your job.

[Paul_M3]

reggie82 said:

They used to do random drug testing at my old work. I don't take drugs but still thought it was out of order, why do they get a say on what I do in my free time?!

Do you not think it might be to make sure you're not under the influence of drugs AT WORK?

It's not their fault some drugs stay in your system so can be detected if you've done them a couple of nights before.

[Papa Hotel]

Tested regularly, doesn't bother me.

[James_N]

If they did this where I work, there would be no staff left after a week

I've known people come in for a late shift stinking of beer, never mind the early shift!!

I wouldn't mind the tests, but I have nothing to hide.

[rambo19]

Have it at my work, been done twice.
Compulsory if your involved in a crash.

Can't see the problem.

[Storer]

My only drug is alcohol, taken after 6.00pm liberally, usually in the form of red wine or sometimes beer.

If my employer decided to check me for alcohol when I start work, I would have to inform myself that I was not about to comply and promptly turn over and go back to sleep.

When I finally got up I would send a memo to myself to banish testing forever.



However, I meet so many morons that are clearly on something other than Ribena and find it difficult to string a sensible sentence together. Carrying out their job in an efficient manner is way beyond their capabilities. If they are not on something, they need firing for incompetence.

[Marty63]

should be introduced to some benefit claimants also.

[northandy]

I know of a fabrication company where a new substance abuse policy was brought in, no random testing but a proper policy on just cause testing, oh and all new hires tested at the time of pre employment medical.

Of the first 6 tested 4 failed

[Lobster Drill]

How are the tests done? Urine?

I've never had this at work, but don't think I'd mind actually - I'm quite capable of getting through a bottle of wine over a few hours in a mid-week evening so if I was aware I might be tested the next day I'd be dithering like Manuel after the first glass...more wine...test...more wine...test. I catch the train so don't have that consideration.

It would be quite an effective deterrent!

[Shaman]

It's commonplace in safety critical jobs. The railway has an almost zero tolerance to alcohol (30mg/ml opposed to 80 for drink driving) and zero tolerance to drugs.

We get a pre job screening, regular random tests, tests at medicals and "for cause" testing after incidents. Oh and you can request tests for people you suspect are unde the influence.

It's easier not to drink the night before an early shift rather than risk it.

[Ki3r]

We can get randomly drink tested at work (delivery driver), but its not happened in the year I've been there.

Also as a Special I believe we can be tested randomly for drugs, but in three years, other than my medical when I joined, its not happened to me.

[Dog Star]

On a related note, I used to work in IT for one of the, if not the biggest bus companies in the UK.

There was a no alcohol/drugs policy for drivers, but because of works relations even applied to me in IT.

I looked after the software that drew out the "random" drink/drug test candidates.

Needless to say that neither I nor the bird from accounts with the MASSIVE tits that used to go to the pub with me every lunchtime ever got tested. The awful office gossip/harridan seemed to be statistically quite unfortunate though....

[eldar]

I work in the nuclear industry, random drink/drugs testing is routine and covers everybody on the site. No problem, it does weed out the alcoholics and smackheads which is reassuring.

[northandy]

Lobster Drill said:

How are the tests done? Urine?

I've never had this at work, but don't think I'd mind actually - I'm quite capable of getting through a bottle of wine over a few hours in a mid-week evening so if I was aware I might be tested the next day I'd be dithering like Manuel after the first glass...more wine...test...more wine...test. I catch the train so don't have that consideration.

It would be quite an effective deterrent!

Yes, urine test.

I had one for a job once where the nurse stood and watched while i tried to pee in the bottle, obviously to make sure it was my urine.

[Haggleburyfinius]

It's a nice and convenient way to get rid of troublesome employees. Used it myself.