The Answer:
Alcohol Change UK estimate that 167, 000 working days are lost each year, at a cost of £1.2bn. Alcohol related absences are thought to contribute between 3-5% of all absences.
This substantially affects business staffing levels, creates reduced production and imposes pressure on other workers. This additional pressure affects staff wellbeing, causing more to take up drinking. Alcohol is strongly connected with stress, anxiety and depression.
Alcohol affects workplace safety. Most commonly it causes impaired judgement, loss of concentration, reduced coordination, slow reaction, all leading to lack of or reduced perception of health and safety hazards. It is estimated that 40% of workplace accidents are alcohol related (due to high blood alcohol levels).
The Risk / Threat:
Reduced production, reduced profits, impact on staff health, low staff morale, increased staff sickness. This may lead to business closures. Lower concentration levels, reduced alertness and reduced hazard awareness.
This greatly increases the risks of an injury. This can lead to HSE investigations, criminal fines and the possibility of personal injury claims. Apart from reputational damage, this will also affect the business’s insurance.
What you need to do:
- Draw up and implement an Alcohol Policy, clearly outlining the rules and consequences of breaching the policy. The policy should include sources of help.
- Raise awareness of the potential risks of alcohol consumption, and its Impact on health and safety.
- Offer help and support. Employers can offer specialist alcohol counselling and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Early detection and early treatment is crucial.
- Be mindful and respectful towards religious views on alcohol.
Call to action:
If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our HR/Legal advice line team at 0116 274 9193.
