The majority of UK construction industry workers are concerned about the effects of alcohol and drugs on the industry’s workforce, according to the results of the Considerate Construction Scheme’s (CCS) latest survey.

In a bid to increase awareness of the effects of alcohol and drugs on the industry workforce, the CSS launched a new ‘Spotlight on…’ campaign which included conducting a survey of over 1,300 people who work in the industry which found that 59% have concerns on the issues.

Conducted last month, the survey also discovered that 35% of industry workers have witnessed their colleagues working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while a quarter believe that the consumption of alcohol or drugs has caused people to be tired in the workplace.

65% of respondents said that they have never been tested for any substances, while almost 40% think that their workplace should be tacking the issues in a better way.

A number of contractors, industry clients and suppliers undertake regular and thorough measures to get to grips with the issue including random testing and a zero tolerance policy, as well as providing information on the effects of alcohol and drugs at work through toolbox talks, on-site posters and site inductions.

Several scheme-registered contractors, including Mick George, Interserve and Ardmore Construction Ltd, have put forward case studies on the ways they tackle the issue, which are all available to view on the CCS Best Practice Hub.

CCS Chief Executive, Edward Hardy, said that the maintenance of a safe workplace is of pivotal importance for all employers and is something that applies to both the workforce and the surrounding public who may also be affected.

He added that the ‘Spotlight on…alcohol and drugs’ is essential reading for everyone and, given that almost 60% of survey respondents agree that it is a problem, it is clearly a pressing issue of concern.