Smoking policies, drugs and alcohol abuse

Define policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse

It's a good idea to set clear policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol. They can help employers, managers and employees deal with any issues that may arise.

The development and implementation of such policies helps you meet your legal responsibilities to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees. In the case of smoking at work, a written policy shows how you are meeting your responsibilities under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to protect non-smokers from discomfort caused by tobacco smoke in rest rooms or rest areas.

These policies usually have a disciplinary element - for instance setting out what action might be taken if alcohol or drug abuse interferes with an employee's work.

But a clear policy stresses that prevention is better than a cure and that support will be offered to any employee with problems in this area.

Problems with substance abuse can be very disruptive to your business - both in terms of lost productivity by the employee in question and more general negative effects on morale across your business.

Other benefits of policies for smoking, drugs and alcohol

• Employees have clear guidance on what they can and cannot do.
• Employees know what support is available, as well as what disciplinary procedures apply.
• Managers have clear guidance about the procedures they should follow if a problem arises.
• Policies raise awareness. They can encourage individuals to take action to remedy any problems they have.
• By reducing problems with substance abuse, you can reduce illness and staff turnover and increase productivity.
• You reduce the risk of employees driving or operating dangerous equipment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Policies help you meet your legal responsibilities for health, safety and employee welfare.

Drawing up your policies is only the first step. Implementation is crucial. Make sure that your policies are communicated to everyone in your business and that it's made clear that issues raised will be dealt with sensitively and in confidence.

You can download a guide to dealing with drug abuse at work from the HSE website (PDF).

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Define policies on smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse
• Smoking policies
• Dealing with alcohol abuse
• Dealing with drug abuse
• Manage stress effectively
• Counselling and support
• Checklist: what your smoking, drug and alcohol abuse policies should cover
• Discipline, grievance and dismissal procedures

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