According to a survey carried out by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, 35 per cent of the 1,300 construction workers surveyed had worked alongside people under the influence.
It found that 65 per cent of workers had never been tested for drugs and alcohol, with 59 per cent raising concerns about the impact of drugs and alcohol on the industry. A quarter said drugs and alcohol had led to increased tiredness at work, while 19 per cent said it had affected their productiveness.
The Considerate Constructors Scheme has now called on the industry to take action on the issue and has launched a new initiative called Spotlight On to tackle the problem.
Survey breakdown
- 65 per cent have never been tested for drugs and alcohol
- 39 per cent admitted the issue of drugs or alcohol could be better tackled in their workplace
- 35 per cent have noticed their colleagues under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- 25 per cent agreed drugs or alcohol affected them at work through tiredness
- 23 per cent agreed it affected them through decreased attention during work
- 19 per cent agreed the affects made them less productive at work
Contractors including Bowmer & Kirkland, Interserve and Sisk currently run schemes that carry out random testing and give talks on the effects of drugs, but Considerate Contractors chief executive Edward Hardy said more can be done.
“Maintaining a safe working environment is of the utmost importance for any employer; this not only applies to the workforce, but also the surrounding public and anybody else who may be affected,” he said.
“It is clear action must be taken across the industry to ensure workforce safety, health and wellbeing on sites and in companies throughout the UK.”
