The Considerate Constructors Scheme is helping to address the sobering issue of drugs and alcohol on the UK and Irish construction industries.
The Scheme’s new ‘Drugs and Alcohol e-learning’ course focuses on how contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and clients can take practical and effective measures to safeguard and protect the workforce from drugs and alcohol. The online course is now available on the Scheme’s ‘Best Practice Hub’.
The misuse of drugs and alcohol is a serious workplace issue, particularly for the construction industry, where a safe and healthy workforce is of paramount importance.
The effects of drugs and alcohol abuse include impaired awareness, reduced concentration, loss of muscle function, reduced stamina, diminished judgement and loss of coordination. Any of these side-effects can be incredibly dangerous in the construction industry where working at height and operating vehicles and heavy machinery are commonplace.
Drugs and Alcohol e-learning follows on from the Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on…drugs and alcohol’ campaign. The e-learning course compliments the Scheme’s focus on this issue to date by providing a platform for the industry to educate themselves about the issue, risks and methods to manage those risks and to support those who need it.
Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Edward Hardy said: “The impact of drugs and alcohol on the construction industry is an extremely serious issue and one which the industry is working hard to address.
“We all know that our industry is only as strong as our workforce and it is therefore essential to ensure that everyone in our workforce is well looked after, both physically and mentally. As drugs and alcohol has a huge impact on both the physical and mental wellbeing of everyone, we see our Drugs and Alcohol e-learning as an essential way of extending the Scheme’s reach to help educate and further raise awareness to help address this issue.”
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