Matt Taylor, the Managing Director of ScreenSafe, a UK provider of drug and alcohol advice and testing services, has been invited to speak at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) meeting on October 31, at Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow.
The seminar “Drugs and alcohol policies and mental health at work” picks up two developing topics relating to health at work. Mr Taylor will consider the problems presented by drug, alcohol and substance abuse in the workplace and practical issues in responding to them.
A drug and alcohol policy should have as its core issues, health, education and proper training, he says. “An overlaying supportive approach rather than a punitive one will create a more robust policy, designed to encourage people who think they may have a drug or drink problem to come forward, rather than try to hide it.”
Mr Taylor, who has advised some of the UK’s biggest employers on workplace drug testing for over ten years, says: “Ultimately, this is a health, safety and education issue and both staff and employers should support a programme that adds credibility to their professional status. Ignoring a drug or an alcohol addiction could be dangerous. Tackling it in an open and honest way could save jobs, help families and possibly even save lives.”
These presentations are aimed at safety people but will also be of value to others including HR managers. ScreenSafe made a recent joint initiative with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), launching RHA Smart Test, an exclusive service with its own dedicated website and 24/7 customer service to provide cover for all aspects of drug and alcohol screening – including policy writing, sample collection, laboratory analysis, training and education.
IOSH is a health and safety membership organisation in the world, with more than 42,000 members in 100 countries. They are the first European safety body to be awarded NGO status by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Matt Taylor will speak at 1pm. Attendance is free and open to non-members of IOSH. Contact the West of Scotland branch secretary for more information: [email protected]
About drug use in the UK
The HSE estimates that up to 14 million working days are lost each year due to alcohol-related problems in the workplace, costing British industry an estimated £2 billion each year.
About ScreenSafe
The company provides drug and alcohol testing of breath, urine, blood, oral fluid and hair, and ancillary services from policies to confirmations, service, training and procedures. ScreenSafe are part of the Ingemino Group. Visit www.screensafe.co.uk
