The festive season is a time for Christmas parties, and we hope you will enjoy your festive celebrations. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers associated with drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs at these events and then operating equipment on site or driving the following morning.
Drugs and alcohol impair your ability to drive or operate equipment safely, and their effects can linger long after the party has ended. Even if you feel fine the next morning, you may still be above the legal limit. The body processes alcohol at a rate of about one unit per hour, but this can vary depending on factors such as weight, age, gender, and metabolism. Therefore, a heavy night of drinking can leave you above the legal limit to drive well into the next day. Cemex has a zero tolerance of any drugs that could adversely affect work performance and/or health and safety. There is no acceptable limit for non-prescribed controlled drugs. Cemex UK operates a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and any positive result will lead to disciplinary action which could include dismissal. The limit for alcohol is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 0.46 grams of alcohol per 1 litre of blood (‰ [w/v]. The detection of alcohol above the limit stated will determine that the person is under the influence of alcohol and has tested positive. Testing positive for drugs or alcohol without a satisfactory medical explanation will be considered as gross misconduct and could lead to instant dismissal.
Operating machinery or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol not only puts your life at risk but also endangers the lives of others. Drugs and alcohol affect your reaction times, coordination, and judgment, making it more likely that you will be involved in an accident. The consequences of being caught drink-driving are severe. You could face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a fine, and even imprisonment. Additionally, a drink-driving conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life, including increased insurance premiums, difficulty finding employment, and a criminal record.
To avoid these dangers plan ahead this festive season. Celebrate responsibly and make sure your festive season is memorable for all the right reasons.
Please print the poster which you can find on the UK News download page: here and share it on your workplace noticeboards. Thanks.