Where Immediate Risk Exists - RM Alcohol & Drugs

[brothermagrew]

Where it is believed that an individual is under the influence of alcohol and or drugs and the behaviour of the
individual is in the opinion of the manager potentially dangerous to themselves or others then the manager may
need to take immediate action for the health, safety and well – being of the individual and all those around them or
who might come into contact with them or be in the same vicinity as them.

In such circumstances the manager has to assess the risk and should approach the individual and ask to see them
away from the work area and out of sight and earshot of others (an immediate meeting). The manager should
ensure that the individual is accompanied by a colleague or union representative (who might be the union health
and safety representative) and give consideration to another manager being present. In part to ensure the health
and safety of all concerned and so there is no doubt about the reasons for the manager taking the action they are
taking and to help the manager assess the risk and so determine the action needed.

After assessing the risk and having consulted with the union health and safety representative if the manager
concludes the person is unfit to carry out their normal work or any other work then the person should be sent
home from work with pay and steps taken to assist the person in getting home and being put in the care of a
responsible other person. Where it is not possible to put the person into the care of another responsible person then
the manager should continue to ensure the individual is looked after until they are fit to be left alone.
The manager should follow the Conduct Code and any associated Guidelines at this stage of the procedure. Help
and support is available from the People Contact Centre on (0845 6060603 / Postline 5456 7100).

Royal Mail Group will give the same consideration to colleagues with medical problems associated with
alcohol/drugs misuse as it does to employees with other health problems. However the same procedures on Sick
Leave and Attendance are applicable (as for all other colleagues) and those with alcohol drugs problems are
equally required to comply with the normal standards of conduct and safety required of all Royal Mail people.
Incidents or accidents occurring as a result of attending work under the influence of alcohol or the misuse of drugs
or the sale and/or possession of drugs will usually be considered as gross misconduct and could result in dismissal.


Corporate Responsibility
Group Health and Safety Policy
Alcohol and Drugs Policy -
Guidelines Version 1.9 - 8th May 2007