--- title: Workplace Alcohol & Drug Screening Safety | News | Shawcity description: Discover how alcohol and drug screening improves workplace safety, compliance and risk management across safety critical industries. image: https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/alcohol%20testing%20web%20banner.png --- - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/events) - [News](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) - [Contact Us](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) [Login](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/account/login) - Gas Detection - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Detection](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/fixed-gas) - [Ground Gas/ Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drug & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) [![Shawcity Logo](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Brand%20Logos/NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png?height=70&name=NEW%20colour%20logo%2c%2050%20and%20strap.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/hamburger-icon.svg) ![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0555/2901/3401/t/2/assets/menu-close.svg) Menu - Products - [Portable Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/portable-gas) - [Fixed Gas Detection](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fixed-gas-monitoring) - [Ground Gas/Contaminated Land](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/ground-gas-contaminated-land) - [Air Quality & Dust](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/air-quality-and-dust) - [Fit Testing](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/fit-testing) - [OEM Gas Sensors](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/oem-gas-sensors) - [Chromium-6](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/chromium-6-detection) - [Drugs & Alcohol](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/drugs-alcohol-testing) - [Accessories](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/accessories) - [Calibration Gas](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/collections/calibration-gas) - [Training](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/training) - [Service & Calibration](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-service-calibration-uk) - [Hire](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/gas-detector-hire-uk) - [Customer Support](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/customer-support) - About Us - [About Shawcity](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/about-shawcity) - [Vacancies](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/shawcity-careers) - Resources - [Brochure](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/Shawcity%20overview%20brochure%20MAR%2025%20web.pdf) - [News & Events](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news) [CONTACT US](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/contact) ##### [**Guides & Insights**](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/tag/guides-insights) # Enhancing Workplace Safety Through Alcohol and Drug Screening **Shawcity**|6 January 2025 ![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/alcohol%20testing%20web%20banner.png) Creating a safe and productive workplace is a priority for businesses of all sizes. However, the challenges posed by alcohol and drug misuse continue to undermine these efforts and can have significant financial implications for organisations and the wider economy. Addressing this issue requires proactive measures, including the implementation of effective screening policies and cutting-edge testing solutions. Lost productivity due to alcohol use costs the UK economy over £7 billion annually, with an estimated 167,000 working days lost each year \[1\]. Alcohol’s impact in the workplace manifests in various ways, including employees attending work, operating machinery or driving hungover or under the influence, consuming alcohol during work hours, or experiencing health-related issues from drinking. Alarmingly, 40% of employers identify alcohol as a significant driver of low productivity, while 3% to 5% of all work absences are attributed to alcohol use. Additionally, 35% of workers report they have seen colleagues under the influence at work and 25% say that substance misuse has affected them directly, with 23% experiencing the effects of decreased productivity as a result \[2\].   ## **The lasting effects of alcohol and drug use**   Many workers may not realise that being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work can severely impact both their performance and safety. According to the NHS, it takes roughly one hour for the liver to process a single unit of alcohol. After consuming 4 to 6 units, alcohol begins to affect the brain and nervous system, impairing judgment and decision-making abilities. This leads to increased recklessness and reduced inhibition. Furthermore, alcohol disrupts the nervous system, causing light-headedness, slower reaction times, and compromised coordination \[3\]. These effects become more pronounced with increased alcohol consumption. The length of time drugs remain detectable in the system varies depending on factors such as the type of drug, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. For instance, cannabis may be detectable in urine for 1 to 3 days in occasional users, but for regular users, it can remain detectable for up to 30 days or longer.   ## **Workplace screening**   Many employers incorporate screening into their drug and alcohol policies to address workplace substance misuse. Screening is particularly relevant for roles involving safety-critical decisions such as drivers, pilots, or machinery operators where substance misuse could lead to catastrophic consequences for employees, co-workers, the public, or the environment. Screening must have the informed consent of employees to comply with both legal and practical requirements. While screening is a valuable tool, it cannot address substance misuse issues in isolation and should instead be incorporated into a broader, comprehensive health and safety policy. Although employees cannot be compelled to undergo testing, refusal to comply when an employer has legitimate grounds for testing may result in disciplinary action.   ## **Drug and alcohol corporate testing policies**   Understanding the legal implications and potential costs associated with drug and alcohol impairment in the workplace is crucial for employers. Under the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, businesses are required to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, a safe working environment. Implementing corporate drug and alcohol testing policies is a proactive approach to enhancing workplace safety. These policies typically encompass six categories: - **For-Cause Testing**: When there is a reasonable suspicion of impairment. - **Post-Incident Testing**: Following workplace accidents or incidents. - **Random Testing**: Unannounced checks to deter substance misuse. - **Pre-Employment Testing**: Ensuring candidates meet workplace safety standards. - **Post-Rehabilitation/Return-to-Work Testing**: Supporting employees returning after treatment. - **Job-Specific Testing**: For roles with heightened safety risks. Establishing clear and comprehensive workplace policies is essential for guiding these efforts and ensuring compliance with legislation.   ## **Cutting-edge solutions from Dräger**   For over 60 years, Dräger has been a global leader in alcohol and drug screening, trusted by employers and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Dräger’s innovative devices are designed to minimise risks and ensure workplace safety through their reliability, speed, hygiene and ease of use. ![Alcotest 6000](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Alcotest%206000.png?width=181&height=236&name=Alcotest%206000.png) [Alcotest® 6000 Breathalyser](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/drager-alcotest-6000-breathalyser): Compact, user-friendly, and precise, this device has been trusted globally with over a million units sold. [![Alcotest 7000](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Alcotest%207000.png?width=135&height=266&name=Alcotest%207000.png)Interlock 7000 Alcohol Detection System](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/drager-alcotest-7000-breathaylser): Integrated into vehicles, it prevents ignition if alcohol limits are exceeded, ensuring safety on the road. [![drug test 3000](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/drug%20test%203000.png?width=248&height=274&name=drug%20test%203000.png)DrugTest 5000 and DrugCheck 3000](https://products.shawcity.co.uk/products/drager-drugcheck-3000-portable-drug-test-swab): Advanced drug screening tools designed for swift and accurate results. With robust data storage capabilities and user-friendly designs, Dräger devices are indispensable for maintaining safety in professional environments.   [![View Our Full Range of Drug and Alcohol Tests](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/9320943/interactive-185406817643.png)](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKkKHGd4X6hdHbhDUmmlKynctBsrVYPtdXaAKZZEGnfxhArsUuzCL4s4QrL76UA8ClH1h0%2Ff3zhhq8fJiyrW%2FXruL%2BzO3J0OcahUFaMxTiPevtAeTpIzIh14879Cpa7%2FRvITcsTOa7y2rdzQMXLPsB%2BdTrv4yx8AzeqLHcyyvE1WlUQls4FHmbGsI64xeYCZyMuMPt4oB0tJP0D1Ylq24%2FseAtm&webInteractiveContentId=185406817643&portalId=9320943)   ### **In partnership with Shawcity** Shawcity offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to your monitoring requirements, from drug testing kits to breathalysers and combined alcohol and drug testing equipment. For further details or to discuss your needs, contact our expert team at **01367 899419** or email **solutions@shawcity.co.uk**.     **References:** [**https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-in-the-workplace?utm\_source=chatgpt.com**](https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-in-the-workplace?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **[https://www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs/index.htm](https://www.hse.gov.uk/alcoholdrugs/index.htm)** **\[1\] –** [**https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-harmful-drinking-and-alcohol-dependence/health-matters-harmful-drinking-and-alcohol-dependence**](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-harmful-drinking-and-alcohol-dependence/health-matters-harmful-drinking-and-alcohol-dependence) **\[2\] -** [**https://ccsbestpractice.org.uk/spotlight-on/drugs-and-alcohol/#Introduction**](https://ccsbestpractice.org.uk/spotlight-on/drugs-and-alcohol/#Introduction) **\[3\] - [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/risks/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-misuse/risks/)** ##### Share [Previous post](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/shawcity-blue-lamp-trust-partnership) [Next post](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/engineered-stone-worker-safety) ## **Latest posts** ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Hydrogen%20Sulphide%20Gas%20Cloud%20Over%20Industrial%20Zone.png) Guides & Insights **Why Smell Cannot Reliably Warn You of H₂S** 25 August 2026](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/news/why-smell-cannot-reliably-warn-of-h2s) ##### [![](https://www.shawcity.co.uk/hubfs/plant-milk-day.png) Blogs **How Is Plant Milk Made? 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