TOOLBOX TALK | ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS

1. Professionalism ▪ Integrity ▪ Trust ▪ Team Spirit
ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS
Alcohol or illegal drugs (or a combination of both) seriously impair driving ability and
the ability to work safely. The problem of alcohol, drug and substance misuse is
widespread in society and at Fabricom we operate a zero tolerance to working under
the influence of either. Even if you don’t take drugs, it is easy at this time of year to
consume more alcohol and therefore be under the influence when driving or at work.
What are the effects of on your ability to drive and work safely?
Many people are not aware of the effects that even a small quantity of alcohol in their
bloodstream has on their ability to drive or work safely. Driving after just one drink or
the following morning after a night out drinking presents a real risk to all road users
whether the driver is over the legal limit or not.
Did you know that 51% of drivers have driven the morning after whilst still
under the influence?
Tests undertaken on drivers that have died at the wheel indicate that 1 in 3
have alcohol in their system. Of the deceased, 62% are male.
There are no precise figures on the number of workplace accidents where alcohol,
drugs and substance misuse is a factor, but they are known to affect judgment and
physical co-ordination. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol or misusing drugs or
substances before or while carrying out work that is ‘safety sensitive’ will increase
the risk of an accident.
Alcohol - When are you safe?
It takes at least one hour for every half pint of regular strength beer, glass of wine or
measure of spirits to get out of your system. If you’re driving first thing in the
morning then you really need to abstain the night before, that’s the only real safe
way of knowing your capability will not be affected.
Toolbox Talk