Time to rid industry of drugs and alcohol - 08.09.05

contractjournal.com Newsletter - 08.09.05

Editorial: Highways should be applauded over blanket approach to drugs

Highways maintenance group moves to tackle drugs and alcohol misuse just five months after its formation. On-line news editor Tim Wood suggests other sectors should follow suit.

A blanket approach to drug and alcohol rules and testing by civils contractors involved in highways maintenance work is expected to be rolled out in the coming months.

The newly-formed Highways Term Maintenance Association (HTMA) – set up in April to address issues for the maintenance community – is in discussions with major players in the highways market such as RCS, Amey, Carillion, and Alfred McAlpine to tighten up rules about drug and alcohol use on site.

It is hoped that the change in approach, which could result in a zero tolerance to drink and drug use at work, and increased testing of the workforce by all maintenance contractors, will help drive down the number of incidents involving roadworkers on the highways network.

This is exactly what the industry needs. Although the number of accidents caused by drink or drug misuse in the highways maintenance market is not known only a zero tolerence attitude can play a major part in reducing them.

There are enough fatalities and serious accidents on site without putting more workers at risk by letting them get away with drink or drugs in their system.

Network Rail has also dramatically increased the number of drink and drug tests it carries out in an effort to improve safety on site.

Bosses at highways and rail groups have led the way, now all the other trade associations must follow suit.

Contractors also have their own policies when it comes to drink and drug use by workers and how this is regulated and tested, but what is needed is a more consistent approach to how whole communities tackle this issue.

Only then will drink and drugs be out of construction for good.