This document sets out employee obligations with regards to alcohol and drug misuse, as well as the employer's rights to act upon this policy.
It provides a framework under which employees can seek help in order to resolve any addictions, rather than a framework under which they will automatically be punished.
Such a policy increases the likelihood that employees will approach an employer openly about an addiction issue rather than keeping it concealed. This in turn reduces productivity and increases the risk of accidents.
It allows you to comply with a number of pieces of legislation: the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which make employers responsible for prohibiting drug and alcohol misuse at work.
If your employees drive in the course of their employment, you should be aware of additional duties under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the Transport and Works Act 1992 that are not covered by this document.