For Cause screening refers to Drug and Alcohol Screening to find out whether either drugs and/or alcohol were a factor in an accident or incident, where the person(s) actions or omissions are believed to have contributed to the accident or incident, or the behaviour of a person gives cause to suspect that they are unfit to continue work.
Examples of this screening include, but are not restricted to:
- Any accident or incident, which regardless of injury, is of such a serious nature that the Senior Group Director, Divisional Director or HSQE Team specify that screening should be completed
- All RIDDOR – or those with a potential to become – reportable accidents
- Violation of rules or instructions which result in accident or serious incident
- Arriving for work in an obviously abnormal condition
- Smell of alcohol on breath
- Affected by fatigue, drowsiness or a marked loss of concentration
- Justifiable suspicion of drugs and alcohol abuse, either from whistle blowing or evidence of drugs and alcohol in the workplace
- Irregular attendance at work / absence from place of duty
- Poor or uncharacteristic work performance
- “For Cause” Screening Due to Conduct, Behaviour or Appearance
- Employers are legally obliged to take measures to protect the safety of employees and the general public if they suspect individuals may be unfit to work due to drugs or alcohol misuse (Misuse of Drugs Act 1971).
All employers have a general duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and those working on their behalf.
They also have a duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, to assess the risks to the health and safety of their employees.
If they knowingly allow an employee under the influence of drug or alcohol misuse to continue working and their behaviour places the employee or others at risk, they could be prosecuted.
Employees are also required to take reasonable care of themselves and others who could be affected by their acts or omissions.
