Joanne Lunn examines the dangers arising from alcohol abuse in the workplace and the legal implications for businesses trying to tackle the problem
Recent research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development shows that although 40% of employers say alcohol misuse is a major cause of absenteeism and poor productivity in the workplace, few organisations have policies to deal with the problems.
Alcohol misuse among employees costs up to £6.4bn a year. An estimated 17 million working days are lost in the UK per year, amounting to 3%–5% of absences from work. It is also estimated that alcohol is a contributory factor in 20%–25% of workplace accidents.
Employers may face problems if employees consume alcohol during working hours, during breaks or before coming on shift. However, where employees regularly drink heavily or get drunk outside working hours this too may cause difficulties—not only of absenteeism or poor productivity but possible compromised health and safety when an employee has impaired concentration, judgment and co-ordination. Employees may injure themselves or endanger the public or colleagues. This has particular significance when using machinery or vehicles.
