Drug & Alcohol Testing

Various tests can detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in an individual’s system. These include breath alcohol testing and urine drug tests. At Prohms, we offer two primary types of workplace testing: instant tests and laboratory tests. Both tests can be conducted on-site, or participants can visit our occupational health office for convenience. Regardless of the method, our clients are guaranteed swift and precise results.

Our instant tests provide immediate, accurate results. For alcohol detection, we employ standard home office-approved breathalysers to measure blood alcohol content, pinpointing recent or excessive alcohol consumption. For drug detection, we utilise urine testing kits, which can identify up to 10 different illicit drugs. We collaborate with employers to determine which prescription or other drugs to screen for. These urine tests have an effective drug detection window of five days prior to sample collection. If a result is non-negative, the sample is forwarded to our UKAS-accredited lab for detailed analysis.

Beyond confirmation testing, standalone lab analysis can be requested. This method takes longer and might incur additional costs. Reach out to our team for guidance on the best testing approach for your needs.

Apart from randomised testing, we offer “for-cause” testing for both drugs and alcohol. This can be initiated if there’s a valid suspicion about an employee’s substance misuse that poses a significant health and safety threat. It’s also applicable post-accident for further investigation. This testing type requires a valid reason and is legally sensitive.

Substance misuse can severely hamper employee productivity and overall business performance. Studies indicate that over a year, more than 20% of UK employees reported to work under the influence of drugs, and over 45% were affected by alcohol. This not only diminishes focus and productivity but also jeopardizes safety, especially for those operating heavy machinery.

Various laws govern workplace drug and alcohol testing, ensuring fairness and appropriateness. We ensure compliance with these laws to safeguard both employers and employees.

View HSE guidelines

Randomised testing is a tool for safety, not control. It’s crucial in high-risk environments where impairment can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Employees cannot decline a drug test if their contract mandates random testing. Refusal can lead to disciplinary actions. If an employee tests positive, subsequent actions are determined by the company’s drug and alcohol policy.