When it comes to drugs and alcohol at work, recognising there is a problem is the first step to prevention. Hawkins Construction recently took that first step by deciding to implement a new drug and alcohol policy. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and the company hopes to provide an example to the industry as a whole.
Industry apathy common
The main problems Hawkins faced were general apathy towards the issue and fear that the policy would result in a mass exodus of staff and contractors. The industry had continually made the excuse that drug and alcohol testing would result in nobody being able or willing to work.
Statistically, a proportion of New Zealanders use illegal substances for recreational purposes. Given that the people working on any project are a reflection of society, Hawkins concluded that a similar proportion of their workers would be recreational users and, of those, some would be under the influence while at work.
Robust policy and procedures added
Although a general drug and alcohol policy was already in place, it lacked robust procedures to deal with employment issues. As an employer and often a principal contractor, Hawkins is responsible for identifying hazards, then managing and monitoring them as specified in the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. Having a more robust policy and procedures will assist compliance under this legislation.
There were three key reasons for introducing a comprehensive drugs and alcohol programme:
- The safety team recognised that a proportion of the incidents reported across all projects would potentially have involved people under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Hawkins is an accredited company under the ACC Partnership Scheme. It has a firm commitment to exceed the requirements of the programme through the belief that good health and safety practices enhance production and make for a better workplace.
- Hawkins is a family business committed to making its workplaces and projects safe for its employees and the contractors it engages.
Training programmes and support
The New Zealand Drug Detection Agency (NZDDA), Department of Labour, Site Safe, New Zealand Building Trade Union and Northern Amalgamated Workers Union all support Hawkins Construction’s new drug and alcohol policy. Manager training has been conducted by the NZDDA, and Hawkins has developed an online training programme, which all staff must complete.
The new policy includes a confidential employee assistance programme, which provides support and advice to help overcome drug or alcohol dependency.
Hawkins Central Health and Safety Manager AJ Staples thinks fairness sums it up. ‘We have designed our policy and procedures to ensure that everyone understands the process.’
Positive response across the board
Feedback so far has been positive across the board, the most interesting being from the guys on the tools – both Hawkins Construction’s own employees and contractors.
‘I’ve had many come up to me and simply say thanks, that up until now they have felt powerless about working beside people under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. These guys don’t want to feel unsafe – they shouldn’t have to – and they see this policy as a positive contribution to their wellbeing,’ says Staples.
Contractors and suppliers who have their own drug and alcohol policies see this one as complementary. ‘Clients who have appreciation for any health and safety-related risk are 100% behind the initiative,’ says Staples. Hawkins believes their policy can only add value to the package they offer their clients.
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