Calls for drink and drug testing guidelines

AN EMPLOYERS’ body and a union representing health and safety experts have expressed concerns at the absence of guidelines in proposed legislation forcing workers to undergo drink and drugs tests.

The Construction Industry Federation and the union, IMPACT, broadly welcomed the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill 2004, expected to be passed into law later this year. But IMPACT’s Louise O’Donnell warned greater consultation would be needed before the new regulations on testing for drink and drugs could be introduced.

The CIF also raised questions on the practicalities of conducting random tests and the burning issue of what would be an “acceptable level of intoxication”.

Other features of the new legislation include on-the-spot fines and the provision of maximum fines of up to €3 million and terms of imprisonment, up to two years, for breaches of the law.

The new Bill allows testing by a registered medical practitioner if employees appear to be under the influence of intoxicants.