Random Drug Testing Snares Contractors

Bosses at a Scottish energy firm (BiFab) are implementing a major crackdown on drug misuse after workers failed – or refused – random drugs tests on site at Fife Energy Park. Three weeks ago, a significant number of sub-contractors were sacked by the firm and more workers opted to walk off the job at the Methil site rather than submit to the random drugs tests. A spokesman for the workers confirmed the total had been in the “low double figures”, representing a very small percentage of its 2500-strong workforce, and none was on the permanent staff. He added: “We have found a number of agency personnel with positive results and, as a result of recent findings, we are now carrying out pre-employment drug testing. “We cannot understand why individuals refuse to take the test, but it’s their choice.” As well as testing every new employee, BiFab also intends to subject its entire workforce to regular random drug and alcohol testing. He added: “BiFab has strict employment criteria and, due to the type of work at site, we have a strict drugs and alcohol policy.” Rumours that police were asked to investigate drug dealing on site at Fife Energy Park have been flatly denied by BiFab. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers have been alerted to a number of random drugs test failures among the workforce and are working with the management to address the issue.” The news follows claims by Methil residents in April that BiFab workers were seen smoking cannabis before starting a shift. BiFab delivers major fabrication works from facilities in Scotland for the oil and gas, renewable and infrastructure industries. [et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.alphabiolabs.co.uk/workplace-testing-sectors/oil-gas-industry-drug-and-alcohol-testing/” button_text=”Oil and Gas Industry Drug & Alcohol Testing” _builder_version=”3.19.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”19px” button_bg_color=”#00ab84″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” button_border_radius=”25px” button_font=”||||||||”] A spokesperson for AlphaBiolabs one of the UK leading workplace drug testing laboratories said yesterday ‘In such a dangerous working environment it is critical to all staff members of BiFab that a strict drug and alcohol testing policy is maintained. Anyone refusing the random testing should be dismissed for the safety of every employee on staff’. It is vital that a company recognises that there will be a problem with drugs and alcohol misuse at work so it’s always best practice to implement a drug and alcohol testing policy and testing programme before a problem has resulted in an accident.