Builders say No to drink and drugs testing

BUILDING firms cannot be expected randomly to test their staff for drink and drugs and they won’t foot the bill for such checks, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has warned.

As the national builders’ holidays continue this week, the CIF says, while everyone wants to improve site safety, save lives and prevent accidents, employers can’t be the ones forced to carry the can.

The new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill allows the Health and Safety Authority the right to test workers for drug or alcohol use. It also provides for on-the-spot fines ranging from €100 to €1,000 as well as a “name and shame” mechanism for those found guilty of serious infractions. The legislation also features penalties of up to €3 million and/or imprisonment for two years for those indicted in the Circuit Court.