Modern Quarrying Q1 2023

Employees have an obligation to accept the workplace policies regarding alcohol and drugs, as well as a duty to confirm that they are abiding by all applicable policies and laws pertaining to substance-free programmes.

SAFETY

A sober workforce is the most effective risk management tactic a company can take. Employees that abuse alcohol and other intoxicating substances cost their company time and money, while putting their livelihoods at risk. By Rhys Evans, MD at ALCO-Safe A SOBER WORKFORCE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE

E mployers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for all workers, which includes preventing employees from entering the workplace under the influence of intoxicating substances. Employees have an obligation to accept the workplace policies regarding alcohol and drugs, as well as a duty to confirm that they are abiding by all applicable policies and laws pertaining to substance-free programmes. While it is for employers in the transport sector to decide whether

their workplace policies will involve drug testing (along with routine alcohol testing) as well as how and when these will be carried out, it is recommended that these policies be carefully relooked and brought up to date. Companies must establish that they are doing everything within their means to ensure a sober workforce is behind the wheel on South Africa’s roads. The Occupational Health & Safety Act takes precedence Transport companies should already be accustomed to test ing their drivers before they are

permitted to get behind the wheel of any truck or transport vehicle. Testing drivers once they have arrived at their destination is an effective way of ensuring that such drivers have not consumed any intoxicating substances during their journey. This is important particularly for long-distance trips. For many drivers who have come under disciplinary action due to the fact that they were found to have consumed intoxicating substances or found with a breath alcohol level above the level permissible by the Occupational Health & Safety Act, it is important to remember that

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