World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Today, 28th April, marks the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The day was created by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) with the intention to raise awareness for the prevention of work-related accidents and disease.

In 2021, there were 441,000 self-reported workplace non-fatal injuries in the UK and 142 fatal injuries. A report published in 2018 from the UK Addiction Treatment Centre, stated that substance abuse is linked to 40% of all industrial accidents in the workplace, making it one of the leading causes of work-related injuries. Up to 3 million workers each year attend work under the influence, causing serious impacts on the organisation’s overall safety.

Employees who attend work under the influence can result in a loss of productivity, impaired judgement, and an increased risk of injury to themselves and others around them. For employers, that causes a combined £36 billion in cost, £17 million worth of days taken off and irritable employees resulting in a potentially damaged reputation as an unsafe company.

Ways to encourage safety:

Employers:

  • Outline a clear health and safety policy from the start
  • Conduct routine drug testing
  • Provide correct tools and regular equipment inspections

 

Employees:

  • Always wear correct protective gear
  • Do not turn up to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Take part in training and other opportunities that may be provided

 

Companies who don’t regularly drug test results in a 30-40% higher chance of employees abusing alcohol and drugs. Implementing a drug testing program in the workplace is vital for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

Randox’s Evidence MultiSTAT makes workplace drug testing stress free. The user friendly, benchtop analyser can simultaneously detect up to 29 classical, prescription and synthetic drugs from a single sample. Results are reported in under 20 minutes and no previous laboratory experience is required.

For more information about what Randox Toxicology can offer for your workplace drug testing,

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