Here at Drug Testing Kits UK, we would like to recommend a lesser known, yet very important category of workplace professional-use drug & alcohol testing, which should be incorporated into what is known as "Fit-For-Work Testing." This procedure involves physical & mental health evaluations (the latter of which includes determining whether an individual has a drug or alcohol addiction, or whether they are likely to abuse the same). - These evaluations can show whether an existing employee is suitable for a new job role; whether an existing employee is still suitable for their role after the emergence of a health problem; whether a potential employee is a good candidate for a contract of employment, & more
In addition to the aforementioned, the evaluations can also ascertain whether the employees, or potential members of staff, are likely to be able to carry out the role while simultaneously adhering to safety requirements. Also referred to as "Fit to Work Testing," this increasingly popular on-site assessment, is easily administered using Professional-Use Drug Testing Kits UK-approved, rapid, highly accurate, economic Drug & Alcohol Testing Kits. These come in packs of 25, 50, and 100 individually sealed tests. (They are easily administered by a designated member of staff who has studied the instructions, and practised on several people).
What Does a Fit-For-Work Assessment Include?
Generally speaking, the Drug Testing Kit UK's Health Science Advisor informs companies that assessment can incorporate various tests which are linked to the demands of a specific job role. For example:
- Physical tests will incorporate a multi-drug & alcohol test, and could also involve (depending on the job role), a general health exam, a heart and lung function test, a vision test, a fitness test, and so on
- Mental health tests will incorporate a multi-drug & alcohol test, and may also include (depending on the job role), a verbal communication aptitude test, a personality test, and so on
Why a Fit-For-Work Assessment is Needed
"The primary purpose of fitness for work is to make sure that an individual is fit to perform the tasks involved effectively and without risk to their own or others’ health and safety" [1]. Obviously, drug & alcohol abuse poses a potentially high risk to health & safety in the workplace
There are a multitude of reasons for conducting this type of assessment:
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"The employee's health condition may limit or prevent them from performing the job effectively (e.g. musculoskeletal conditions that limit ability)
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The employee's condition may be made worse by the job
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The employee's condition may make certain jobs and work environments unsafe to them personally (e.g. liability to sudden unconsciousness in a hazardous situation)
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The employee's condition may make it unsafe both for themselves and for others in some roles
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The employee's condition may pose a risk to the community (e.g. infection transmitted by a food handler)" [1]
When a Fit-For-Work Assessment Including Professional Use Drug & Alcohol Tests Are Needed
These times include, but are not limited to:
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When an employee is going back to work after a prolonged or significant injury or illness
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When an employee is undergoing a periodic review in regard to certain requirements (such as health surveillance)
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When an employee is being considered for a transfer to a new position within the company/organisation (depending on work exposures)
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When a potential employee is being recruited for the first time (depending on work exposures)
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When an employee's early retirement is requested on the grounds of ill-health [1]
Fit-For-Work Testing During the Course of Employment
If your company/organisation makes substantial changes to:
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The type of equipment set-up that your staff have been using
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The job requirements of employees
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Their new associated tasks
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Or their new job role, may necessitate fit-for-work testing
Moreover, an employee who changes their role within the company/organisation, may be subject to different working conditions to those they have been used to. - So to that end, fit-for-work testing is highly recommended, as it will serve to ensure that the employees can effectively, efficiently, and safely, carry out their duties.
Erring on the Side of Caution
Here at Drug Testing Kits UK, our professional team of advisors offer FREE advice to companies, organisations, institutions, and medical establishments, all over the UK and Southern Ireland. Naturally, the team's main focus is on health and safety in the workplace. So to that end, if a company/organisation, etc., is mindful that the actions of various members of staff could negatively affect health and safety in the workplace due to any of the aforementioned list of changes, etc.: along with the rules and regulations pertaining to the same, they frequently contact us to see what is required to carry out fit-for-work testing in relation to workplace drug and alcohol testing.
This category of drug and alcohol testing is very important, because it may be the case that certain suspected employees who have been somewhat lax about consuming alcohol and recreation drugs (with some of the latter staying in the system for days); would not be able to deal with changes in equipment. For example, machinery or complex computer programs that necessitate more concentration, etc. And this would result in loss of productivity, and in the case of machinery, or other forms of factory work, etc., this could pose a threat to these employees' co-workers, and in some cases members of the public.
Arranging Non-Invasive Saliva Drug & Alcohol Testing in the Workplace
As our Drug Testing Kits UK's advisors emphasise, it is crucial to draw up an agreement for employees who are in all the aforementioned categories (listed under the paragraphs: "When a Fit-For-Work Assessment Including Drug & Alcohol Tests Are Needed," and "Fit-For-Work Testing During the Course of Employment)". This agreement is simply to state that the employee is willing to have a non-invasive on-site drug and alcohol test (which just takes a few minutes), which will be administered by an assigned member of staff. Moreover, it could include a current health questionnaire. If an employee or potential employee refuses to take the drug & alcohol test, as well as other relevant tests (such as a vision test), then the employer would have to seriously consider whether it would be wise to allow the individual to take on a new role; use new machinery etc., and be offered a job.We invite you to take a look at the extensive list of up-to-date informational blogs on our Drug Testing Kits UK's website.
Reference
[1]. University of Cambridge (2023). "Occupational Health."
https://www.oh.admin.cam.ac.uk/services/fitness-work-assessments
