No occupational health or drug and alcohol testing in your workplace? What’s the worst that can happen?
When it comes to workplace safety, some organisations take a reactive rather than proactive approach. However, a robust occupational health programme and effective drug and alcohol testing policies can prevent disaster before it happens.
The consequences of neglecting these measures range from minor inconveniences to catastrophic events - leading to loss of life, environmental damage, major legal action, and complete business failure.
In the UK, work-related fatalities have risen for a second year in a row, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 138 workers were killed in work-related accidents in the year 2023/24, compared with 136 in 2022/23. This represented an increase of 13 on 2021/22, when 123 people were killed at work - a trend which the British Safety Council has called a cause for concern.
In this blog post, we look at some of the issues that can arise when occupational health is neglected, and the disasters which have occurred due to a lack of drug and alcohol testing. On a more positive note, we’ll also discuss ways to mitigate these risks by implementing appropriate measures.
The dangers of ignoring occupational health
Occupational health programmes exist to monitor and maintain the wellbeing of employees. These programmes may include regular health screenings, risk assessments, ergonomic evaluations, and safety training. When neglected, the risk of illness, injury, and even fatal accidents increases.
1. Increased accidents
Without occupational health oversight and safety procedures in place, employees may be working in unsafe conditions without realising the risks involved. From lapsed training to a lack of safety protocols and resources, many potential hazards can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
The Piper Alpha Disaster, 1988
An explosion on the Piper Alpha oil platform located in the North Sea about 120 miles north-east of Aberdeen, Scotland, killed 165 of the men on board, as well as a further 2 rescue workers. An inquiry led by Scottish Judge William Cullen was critical of the operator, Occidental, which was found guilty of having inadequate maintenance and safety procedures.
Margam Train Deaths, 2019
Two rail workers were struck and killed by a train, and a third was nearly hit as they worked on the tracks. A report found that there were no formal lookouts at the site the men were working at, and they were (necessarily) wearing ear defenders due to using a noisy power tool. The report by the Rail Accidents Investigation Branch (RAIB) said Network Rail's ‘long-term failure to improve the safety of people working on the railway’ was an underlying factor in the deaths.
Norwich Train Crash (2014)
11 people were injured when a train carrying 35 passengers collided with a train at Norwich station. Officials from the Railway Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) urged Greater Anglia to review and improve its fatigue management and competence management after it emerged that the driver was responsible for 14 incidents during his 24-year career, including speeding, station overruns, stopping short at stations, and unscheduled stops, which was described as ‘not typical of even an average driver’.
2. Increased employee illness and long-term health issues
Without regular health monitoring, employees can suffer from chronic illnesses caused by their work environment, such as respiratory diseases from airborne contaminants, musculoskeletal disorders from poor ergonomics, and stress-related conditions or burn-out.
Asbestos Exposure in UK Schools and Public Buildings
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used in the construction of a large number of schools and other public buildings from the 1950s until the use of asbestos was banned in 1999. Decades of exposure to asbestos have resulted in thousands of deaths from mesothelioma (an incurable cancer) due to a lack of health monitoring and control measures. The UK has the highest recorded rate of mesothelioma in the world, with approximately 2,500 deaths each year. While treatment is improving, most patients die within 12 months of diagnosis.
Work-related Stress and Burn-out
In its Burn-out Report, which is based on a YouGov poll of more than 2,000 UK adults, Mental Health UK found that 1 in 5 UK workers took time off work due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress. The report further revealed that 9 out of 10 UK adults have experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year, and warned that the UK was at risk of becoming a ‘burnt-out nation’.
3. Legal and financial consequences
Failing to invest in the safety of staff can lead to lawsuits, government fines, and compensation claims.
The Stockline (ICL) Plastics Factory Explosion, 2004
An explosion at a factory in Glasgow, killing 9 workers, including 2 company directors. A further 33 were injured, 15 seriously. The Crown Office decided to prosecute the operators under the Health & Safety at Work Act, including charges of failure to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, and failure to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments. A fine of £200,000 was imposed on each of the two companies responsible.
HGV Driver Killed at Kingsland Drinks Depot, 2020
A HGV driver was hit by a forklift truck while waiting for his trailer to be loaded at the Salford depot, suffering serious head injuries and later dying in hospital. An investigation by the HSE found a lack of pedestrian and vehicle segregation as well as an unfit risk assessment, and insufficient training. Kingsland Drinks Ltd was fined £800,000 and was ordered to pay costs of £5,600.
The impact of a lack of drug and alcohol testing
Substance abuse in the workplace is a silent but deadly issue. Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to cause accidents, make poor decisions, and put others at risk.
1. Increased risk of accidents
Substance impairment significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, especially in industries such as utilities and energy, construction, transportation and logistics, and rail.
The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, 1989
A major environmental disaster, the spill occurred when oil supertanker Exxon Valdez struck Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef, 6 miles west of Tatitlek, Alaska. The ship's captain, who had a history of alcohol abuse, was found to be legally drunk when the tanker crashed, spilling millions of gallons of crude oil into the ocean, eventually affecting 1,300 miles of coastline.
2. Reduced productivity and higher costs
A workforce impaired by drugs or alcohol means lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and greater liability risks.
Maidstone East Station Train Crash, 1993
A heavy goods train with its brakes set incorrectly for its load hit a curve in the tracks at Maidstone at such speed that its 15 wagons overturned, crashing into the platform. More than £2.5 million of damage to the station buildings and rolling stock was caused and the station was closed for 7 months while the damage was repaired. It was found that the British Rail driver Graham Barnes had drunk the equivalent of a bottle of vodka, and admitted to driving his train while drunk.
3. Workplace violence and safety risks
Substance abuse is linked to higher incidents of workplace violence, theft, and misconduct, creating an unsafe environment for employees and customers.
Workplace harassment
A 2023 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) poll of 1,000 managers found that almost a third had witnessed harassment or inappropriate behaviour at office parties. The research was carried out following a number of allegations of criminal activity and inappropriate behaviour at prominent businesses’ workplace gatherings. This included a woman who alleged that she was raped by two male colleagues when she worked at an overseas office of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). This is followed another member of staff at CBI who alleged she was raped by a manager at a 2019 summer boat party.
How businesses can avoid these catastrophic outcomes
Implementing robust occupational health programmes and drug and alcohol testing policies can significantly reduce workplace accidents, legal liabilities, and financial losses.
1. Establish a comprehensive occupational health programme
• Conduct regular health screenings to monitor employees for work-related illnesses.
• Provide ergonomic assessments to reduce injuries.
• Enforce strict safety training and compliance measures.
• Promote mental health programmes to support employee wellbeing.
2. Implement strict drug and alcohol testing policies
• Conduct pre-employment drug screening to prevent hiring high-risk employees.
• Use random and for-cause drug testing to deter substance abuse, utilising POCTS in order to gain instant results.
• Enforce post-incident testing to determine impairment-related accidents.
• Provide substance abuse support programmes for employees struggling with addiction.
3. Foster a safety-first workplace culture
• Train employees to recognise and report unsafe conditions.
• Invest in technology that enhances safety, such as real-time monitoring systems.
• Encourage open communication between management and employees to identify health risks early.
Conclusion
The worst-case scenario for a company neglecting occupational health and workplace drug and alcohol testing is devastating. From fatal accidents to financial collapse, history has shown that these measures are not optional - they are essential. Businesses must take a proactive approach by implementing robust occupational health programmes and stringent drug and alcohol testing policies. By doing so, they protect their employees, safeguard their reputation, and ensure long-term success.
No company wants to be the next cautionary tale. The real question is, can your business afford to take the risk?
