Toolbox talk alcohol and drugs
This toolbox talk alcohol and drugs cover the effects of alcohol and drugs on your safety and others at work.
Alcohol
- In a high-risk industry like ours, alcohol and work are not compatible.
- Alcohol is a depressant drug, which depresses parts of the brain function. When working on-site, you require all of your brain functions to save you from injury.
- If you’re found to be intoxicated with alcohol, you won’t be allowed on site. You may end up losing your job.
- Don’t get drunk the night before and expect to work safely on site the next day. Alcohol takes time to work out of your system (1 pint of beer takes approximately 2 hours).
- 50% of all drivers killed are over the legal limit.
- If you drink, don’t drive.
- Some workplace fatal accidents are alcohol-related.
- Keep your head clear – leave your drinking sessions to social events, where you can’t cause injury to yourself or others.
- Get a bad reputation for drinking, and you may not get another job as you’ll be seen as a liability.
Drugs
- You are far more likely to have an accident on site when you are under the influence of drugs.
- Drugs prescribed by your doctor could make you unfit for work, as can illegal drugs.
- You may feel you don’t have a drug problem – it’s got nothing to do with you. But if you get hurt, it’s a bit late to wonder what the other person was on.
- If you know somebody is on drugs, tell your supervisor – help to stamp it out.
- Signs to look for, watery eyes, pinpoint or dilated pupils, running nose, constant sniffing, tight lips, sores, ulcers, trembling, fatigue and irritability. If you see it, report it.
- All drugs can affect your ability to work safely.
- Some effects of drugs: slow reaction times, clumsiness, poor decision-making and distorted vision.
- Don’t take ‘E’s – ‘E’ stands for ‘Ex-employee’.
- If you get offered drugs, say no, you’d rather work safely!
- Drugs and work don’t mix. Don’t let it become a problem.
Note to supervisor: Now inform your workforce of the company policy regarding alcohol and drug abuse.
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