Page 16 - Sisk News August 2017

Alcohol and substance abuse under the spotlight Sisk has introduced a programme of random drugs and alcohol testing across its UK operations.
Sisk is dedicated to creating and promoting a safe and healthy workplace for everyone to work in, whether that’s in the of ce, on-site or when travelling.
We also recognise there are people for whom alcohol and substance abuse can be an issue that requires help and assistance, which we as a caring community can assist.
With this in mind, an extensive
review of our Substance Abuse
Policy has been undertaken, with revisions signed off by Steve Bowcott, Managing Director. Brie ngs have then been held in UK locations during May to inform staff of the proposals.
As part of the amended procedure, we have entered into an arrangement with professional testing and analysis company Synlab and now have the facility to undertake For Cause, Reasonable Suspicion testing. This will see a programme of random drugs and alcohol testing commence across the UK from June.
The announcement follows a
successful trial programme carried out at various sites.
Speaking about the amended policy, Andy Oakley said: “There has long been evidence of the increased chance of accidents and incidents as a result of alcohol and substance abuse, with the latter on the increase.
“This is a known fact when driving your car and it is vitally important to
communicate and instil a safe and secure culture for all those who work or visit our of ces and sites, where safety is of such critical importance.”
Should anyone have any queries with regard to the policy or any of the arrangements around testing people contact members of either HR or Health and Safety teams.
Susan Smith – Estimating Dept. undergoing screen assessment with Aoife Munnelly – DSE Assessor
Safe use of display screen equipment
Another aspect of employee health and safety that Sisk takes very seriously is the use of display screen equipment (DSE).
Where personnel use items including computers as a part of their normal work, they may be affected by physical or visual discomfort if the workstation is inappropriately set up or used.
Sisk has trained a number of employees to be DSE / Computer Workstation Assessors to assess the safety aspects of computer workstations in accordance with regulations. The risk assessment process around the DSE you use focuses on four stages.
A programme of assessments is underway, but if you have any immediate queries or issues, do not hesitate to get in touch with your regional HSE manager.
Stage 1: Initial consultation
As a rst step, the assessor will consult with you at
the workstation in order to collect information on the main tasks you undertake.
It is important that you use this opportunity to comment during the course of the assessment.
Stage 2: Observation of you working at the computer workstation
The assessor will observe you working at the workstation and will record whether
it meets the minimum requirements detailed
in the DSE regulations, which are covered in the risk assessment form as a checklist.
Stage 3: Identify the issues that need to be addressed
The assessor will detail the issues to be addressed on the risk assessment form and prepare with you a plan stipulating how they will be addressed, who will take the necessary action and when the actions will be completed. You will receive a copy of the risk assessment, which can
be kept for the records of both yourself and your line manager. Your line manager and you then need to review this and follow-up where required.
Stage 4: Review the implementation of the action plan
The assessor will revisit
the workstation after four weeks, to ensure the issues highlighted in the risk assessment - no matter how big or small - have been addressed. When everything is satisfactory, you and assessor will sign off the risk assessment document.
16 Sisk News | August 2017