The use of drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol - how does it affect your construction project?

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The impacts of alcohol and drugs in construction

​The use of drugs and excessive consumption of alcohol appears to be a growing problem on construction projects. It can lead to:

• impaired ability which impacts safety (Back to safety basics)
• an increased chance of workers taking part in risky behaviour
• poor work performance
• absenteeism
• violence
• poor quality
• reduced productivity (How to improve construction productivity)

Even excessive consumption of alcohol after hours can lead to workers arriving at work inebriated from the night before.

Ensure alcohol and drugs are not a problem on your construction projects

To ensure that alcohol and drugs don't become a problem project managers should make sure that:

• the project has rules in place, which are enforced, regarding the abuse of drugs and alcohol
• there is a policy of zero tolerance
• each employee understands the policy and that it is included in their employment contracts (The Right Way To Introduce New Workers to your Construction Project)
• the policy is discussed at the Site or project inductions
• periodically it is discussed at toolbox or safety meetings
• information posters are displayed on the project
• random testing is conducted
• supervisors are on the lookout for the indications of alcohol or drug impaired behaviour.

The consumption of alcohol or drugs on construction projects must never be tolerated. Drug or alcohol affected workers must be removed from construction projects.

"A practical and really helpful guide to navigating the myriad of things to think about when managing a construction project." Reader review on Amazon

Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
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