Drug & Alcohol Statement

In recognising the potential risk of impaired safety performance by the consumption of alcohol, and/or the use/misuse of non-prescription drugs or substances, it is the policy of Abbey Gardening and Tree Services to prohibit their use or consumption at work, or during periods prior to working hours where the effects would continue during working hours.

• To encourage a safer and healthier working environment for our employees, contractors and agency workers
• To ensure everyone is aware of the acceptable standards
• To ensure that anyone suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is treated in a fair and consistent manner
• To ensure that anyone who advises their line manager that they have a drug or alcohol related problem is given the necessary support to resolve their problems
• Where applicable to support the specific requirements of our clients and the market sector in which we work

Implementing the Policy

To implement the policy we shall:

• Enforce the arrangements published within the Company Management System
• Carry out screening when contractually required and when such screening is warranted by virtue of circumstances
• Recognise that the ill effects of substance abuse are regarded as a medical condition and that relapse may occur even during rehabilitation
• Require employees to adopt a self-help approach to drug or alcohol related problems
• Provide support and encouragement to those employees who voluntarily seek to overcome a drug or alcohol related problem
• Maintain strict confidentiality, within the constraints of the law, on the drug or alcohol problems of individual employees
• Prohibit possession or dealing in illegal substances in the work environment
• Enforce appropriate action in accordance with the relevant disciplinary procedure where warranted by circumstances
• Ensure that our sub-contractors are continually required to have an adequate drugs and alcohol policy
• Take positive steps to ensure that persons do not report for work if they are unfit through alcohol and/or drug abuse, using suspension where applicable
• Ensure that our clients’ requirements take precedence over those of Abbey Gardening and Tree Services if the client dictate
• Review this policy annually as part of the overall Health and Safety Policy