Did You Know…
18.7 billion kilometres have been travelled by HGVs operating in the UK in 2019 so far alone?1
According to RoSPA, 500 people are killed and almost 45,000 are injured in collisions involving people who are driving for work every year?2
27% of employers say drug misuse is a problem at work, while 60% have experienced problems due to staff drinking alcohol.3
Why Implement a Policy?
Given the scale of the Logistics and Transport industry in the UK, the risk of drug and alcohol misuse to businesses and road users can have a detrimental effect and as a result, more and more companies are implementing a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
A Drug and Alcohol Policy and testing programme can play a pivotal role in the logistics and transport industry and can assist your organisation:
- Act as a preventative measure to drug and alcohol misuse
- Assist your organisation to reduce risks
- Support the health, safety and welfare of employees as well as the general public
- Increase corporate responsibility
- Reduce costs
- Reduces the likelihood of reputational damage associated with a driver failing a drugs/alcohol test whilst driving for work
The laws surrounding the misuse of drugs and alcohol that relate to the Transport and Logistics industry outline another reason to implement a Drug and Alcohol Policy. Driving laws adopt a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and eight illegal drugs, a balanced approach to amphetamine (which can be prescribed), and a road safety risk based approach to eight common medications.
Why SYNLAB Laboratory Services?
At SYNLAB Laboratory Services, we support businesses with their commitment to safe working practices. For over 30 years’, we’ve assisted employers identify, deter and rule out drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace. If you would like to learn more about our end to end services, take a look at our services or contact us.
“SYNLAB Laboratory Services took the time to understand our business and needs. We selected them as our drug and alcohol testing partner based on their flexible approach, experience and the ability to access to their own laboratory experts if needed.”
Sean Cullen, Lead SHEQ Manager at Bibby Distribution
References: 1.CILT; Focus Magazine, October 2019 2.ROSPA, Driving for Work; May 2018 3.A study by DrugScope and Alcohol Concern; Drugs & Alcohol in the Workplace – Guidance for Workplace representatives, TUC, February 2019
