As research reveals an alcohol-related productivity loss to the UK economy estimated at £6.4bn and 60% of employers attributing poor performance at work among staff to alcohol misuse1, the Alcohol and Drug Screening service from G4S, the largest security company in the UK, has been launched to provide a complete testing solution to business.
Andy Lane, Managing Director at G4S Regional Security, part of G4S Secure Solutions (UK), said: “The misuse of alcohol and drugs can have a severe impact on business performance. It can, for example, lead to reduced attendance levels, compromised efficiency and performance, impaired judgement, slower reaction times, poor concentration and flawed decision making – increasing the risk of accidents as a result.
“The figures give real food for thought – up to 17 million working days lost each year through alcohol-related absence from work2 and drug related absence estimated to be costing UK businesses £800 million a year3. It is easy to see how taking a measured, comprehensive and efficient approach to dealing with alcohol and drug misuse in the workplace can boost the business bottom line and bring benefits not just to the business but to employees.”
The Drug and Alcohol Screening Service from G4S can be tailored to the precise requirements of the individual business, offering a closely managed but discrete process.
This can include developing a comprehensive alcohol and drug policy, carrying out testing, secure on-site sampling, ‘testing for a cause’ (for example after a health and safety incident), and maintaining the secure chain of custody for any samples through to laboratory testing and delivery of results.
Andy continued; “Secure monitoring and testing for alcohol and drugs is absolutely not about adopting a ‘big brother’ attitude towards staff. Instead it helps businesses ensure a safe environment for employees, visitors and customers. This is especially important in key strategic business sectors which demand a core focus on safety, for example the petrochemical, oil and gas, chemical processing, heavy engineering, transport and logistics and utilities sectors.
“Businesses in these areas have to adopt a thorough and rigorous approach to dealing with issues around alcohol and drug use in the workplace. G4S can provide a safe, discrete and reliable service to help ensure the security of the working environment and all those who enter it.”
As part of its service G4S has certified Alcohol and Drug Screening Officers who can work confidentially on client premises to provide a seamless service, including the maintenance of testing records for audit and compliance purposes.
