Research: Drugs in Workplace

The majority of employers in Ireland do not, as a matter of policy, test employees for the presence of illegal drugs or alcohol. If an employee is misusing substances, such as alcohol, tranquillisers or an illegal drug, it may interfere with the worker’s attendance or work performance, or it may constitute a health and safety risk. In these cases, action may be taken by the employer following the normal disciplinary procedures, on the basis of the poor attendance or work performance or risk, rather than on the basis of the use of a drug.

In some employment, however, such as those involving transport of toxic or flammable materials, or the operation of heavy machinery, employees may be required to be free from any drug which could impair performance. Some employers, as part of their health and safety policy, aspire to have a "drug free workplace". To this end, some adopt the practice of requiring an employee to agree (as part of their contract) that in certain circumstances they will allow a doctor to take a urine or blood sample for testing for the presence of drugs; and if the test is positive, the employee may be subject to the disciplinary procedure – to receive a warning, or in a serious breach, to be dismissed.

The question of testing for drugs in the workplace should be addressed in the context of Health and Safety Policy which is agreed by all management and staff.