1 in 3 workers admit to or have witnessed on the job substance use

1 in 3 UK workers have admitted to or witnessed substance use or addictive behaviours during working hours; posing a serious risk not only to themselves and their colleagues but also to the public. That's 1 of the stark findings in a new guide for employers on managing drink and drug misuse in the workplace, released by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in partnership with Draeger Safety UK.

The Best Practice Guide for Managing Drink and Drug Misuse in the Workplace highlights how drugs, alcohol, and even prescription medications can impair judgement, slow reaction times, and reduce hazard perception. This type of impairment has significant implications where employees are undertaking safety critical roles, such as:- the operation of heavy machinery, or when driving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or commercial vehicles for work, where a single lapse can lead to catastrophic consequences, often affecting others. Furthermore, simply driving to and from a meeting, especially if driving colleagues, is a workplace safety issue, and 1 which is coming under increasing focus, given the wider growing issue of drug-driving.

Substance misuse is more prevalent than many employers realise. 40% of industrial accidents are linked to substance abuse. There is also a heavy economic toll, with workplace hangovers alone costing the UK economy up to £1.4 billion annually, and overall productivity losses from impairment exceeding £7 billion.

Dräger's own research shows strong support for workplace testing: 83% of workers say they would comply with corporate drug and alcohol policies, and 71% support testing for all employees. The best practice guide recommends a combination of education, consent-based testing, and rehabilitation support. It also outlines modern technologies for screening and testing, such as:- saliva and breath testing, as well as alcohol interlock systems, which, once installed in a vehicle, require a negative breath test to allow the engine to start.

Mark Burrup, Drug and Alcohol Testing Expert at Draeger Safety UK, comments:- "Today's testing technologies are highly advanced and designed to be discreet and non-invasive, typically involving a quick saliva swab and/or a single breath sample into a breathalyser to indicate whether an employee has taken drugs or alcohol. In our experience, drug and alcohol testing programmes are well-received by employees as they understand that these measures play a vital role in maintaining a safe and responsible working environment for everyone."

Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager at RoSPA, said:- "Driving under the influence; whether from alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication; is a live safety threat. Businesses have a duty to prevent harm, not just to employees but to every road user. We're calling for a cultural shift in how UK workplaces manage impairment. With lives at stake, proactive policies and testing are essential to safeguarding both workers and the public."

New research shows that about 1 in 4 UK adults in the North West are actively concerned about sexual harassment in the workplace

1 year on from the introduction of the Worker Protection Act, new research from online training provider High Speed Training has revealed that about:- 1 in 4 UK adults in the North West say they are concerned about sexual harassment in the workplace, with about 1 in 12 (8%) reporting they had witnessed behaviour they considered to be sexual harassment in a workplace.

The Worker Protection Act (2023) which came into force in October 2024, introduced a legal duty for employers to take:- "reasonable steps" to prevent the sexual harassment of their employees. The legislation put the onus on the employer; rather than the employee; to take action against inappropriate conduct which would fall under the category of sexual harassment in the workplace. It also gives workers more protection, rights and support should they experience any kind of sexual harassment when at work.

However, a YouGov survey from High Speed Training found that only:- 54% of workers in the North West are confident that employers have taken these reasonable steps. The survey also found that:- 8% of workers across the Region say they have witnessed behaviour at workplaces in the last 12 months that they would consider to be sexual harassment, as well as finding that only:- 65% of workers feel confident that workplaces would handle a report of sexual harassment effectively

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, said:- "The term:- 'sexual harassment' refers to any sort of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that has this effect. Anybody who experiences unwanted sexual behaviour, whether this be verbal, physical or digital, is a victim of sexual harassment."

Examples of this behaviour are:-

• Comments:- 'jokes' inappropriate remarks, emails, messages or questions of a sexual nature.
  

• Sexual propositions or bribes, such as:- offering to help a colleague at work in return for going out for a drink or on a date.
  

• Posting inappropriate comments on social media, such as:- commenting about a person's appearance in a picture they've shared.
  

• Inappropriate hand gestures or facial expressions.
  

• Unwanted physical contact, including:- touching, hugging, unwelcome sexual advances and all forms of sexual assault.

High Speed Training's research also found stark differences across generational demographics when looking at the nation as a whole. Respondents currently working from across the UK aged:- 18 to 24 were more than 3 times as likely to say they have witnessed behaviour they considered to be sexual harassment at a workplace as those aged:- 45+ (24% vs 7%).

The figures suggest that younger employees are either being disproportionately exposed to or witnessing sexual harassment, or, as employees joining the workforce in a post #MeToo era, are more adept at recognising inappropriate behaviour.

Younger workers may also be more likely to occupy more junior or entry-level positions, which could make them more vulnerable to inappropriate conduct, and feel less empowered to challenge it.

Dr Anderson said:- "A year on from the introduction of the new Worker Protection Act, our research has shown that there is still lots of work to be done. If we expand our findings to the whole of the UK workforce, which the ONS estimated to be 36.9 million people in December 2024, these findings would suggest that nearly 3 million people have witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace in the last 12 months, underlining the need for the new legislation, and showing just how much work employers need to do to ensure that everyone feels safe and supported at work. A strong workplace culture, 1 that promotes transparency, trust and inclusivity, is built by visible and consistent action and investment. For organisations looking to demonstrate their commitment, comprehensive sexual harassment training is a great place to start."

Thousands of UK businesses are already recognising this. Since the WPA came into force 12 months ago, High Speed Training has seen more than a:- 1,500% increase in companies enrolling teams on its:- 'Sexual Harassment Training' for employees course, with a:- 2,234% increase in uptake of their Sexual Harassment Training for managers course.

To find out more, visit High Speed Training to read the whole report.

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