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Alcohol and drugs in UK construction industry placed under spotlight by Considerate Constructors Scheme

Survey reveals 59% have concerns over effects of drugs and alcohol on the industry.

The Considerate Constructors Scheme is taking action to raise awareness of the important issue of drugs and alcohol across the UK Construction industry. The Scheme’s new ‘Spotlight on…’ campaign focuses on taking measures to protect and safeguard the entire workforce in relation to drugs and alcohol.

The need for attention and consideration could not be more of a priority than within the already safety-conscious construction industry. A recent survey of over 1300 people working across the Industry discovered that 59% have concerns over the effects of drugs and alcohol in construction.

The survey, which was conducted by the Considerate Constructors Scheme in May 2016 also revealed that:

  • 65% have never been tested for drugs and alcohol
  • 39% admitted the issue of drugs or alcohol could be better tackled in their workplace
  • 35% have noticed their colleagues under the influence of drugs and alcohol
  • 25% agreed drugs or alcohol affected them at work through tiredness
  • 23% agreed it affected them through decreased attention during work
  • 19% agreed the affects made them less productive at work

Many contractors, suppliers and clients of the industry undertake rigorous and regular measures to tackle this issue including zero tolerance to drugs and alcohol, random testing, providing information on drugs and alcohol through toolbox talks, site inductions and resources such as on-site posters.

A number of Scheme-registered contractors have provided case studies on how they tackle this issue, including: A-one+ Integrated Highways Services; Ardmore Construction Ltd; Ballymore; Bowmer & Kirkland; Interserve; Jerram Falkus; John F Hunt Demolition Ltd; John Sisk & Son Ltd; Mick George Ltd; and Mulalley & Co Ltd. All case studies are available on the Best Practice Hub.

Edward Hardy, Chief Executive of the Considerate Constructors Scheme said “Maintaining a safe working environment is of the utmost importance for any employer; this not only applies to the workforce, but also the surrounding public and anybody else who may be affected.

“Spotlight on… drugs and alcohol is an essential read for everyone, as the Scheme’s latest industry survey revealed 59% of respondents agree that drugs and alcohol are issues of concern. It is clear action must be taken across the industry to ensure workforce safety, health and wellbeing on sites and in companies throughout the UK.”

Click here to read the Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on… drugs and alcohol’.
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Considerate Constructors Scheme launches new Monitoring Checklist

The Considerate Constructors Scheme – the national Scheme to improve the image of the construction industry – has launched a new Monitors’ Checklist.

The Checklist is the key method which Scheme Monitors use to assess and score sites, companies and suppliers’ performance against the Code of Considerate Practice. It comes into effect from 1 February 2016, but there will be a three month transition period until 1 May 2016, to ensure all Scheme registered members have sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the new requirements before any changes affect their scores.

As the Scheme carries out around 18,000 sites, companies and supplier visits every year, the information gathered within the Monitors’ Checklist provides an essential barometer of how the industry is improving and the key issues it must tackle.

Whilst the 2016 Checklist has undergone changes in all five sections of the Code, the most significant changes are within the ‘Value their Workforce’ section. A number of new questions have been introduced to help the industry tackle the critical issues such as combatting illegal workers and modern slavery on site and in supply chains, as well as attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce.

New questions include:

    1. How does the site assess and monitor the legitimacy and competency of the workforce?
    2. What is the site doing to improve its image and the overall image of the industry to attract and retain the workforce necessary for the future of construction?

Commenting on the new Checklist, Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said: “Our work to stamp out illegal working involves close collaborative working with lead industry bodies. We are fully supportive of genuine efforts, such as this scheme, to drive compliance with the rules.

“Employers within the construction sector have a crucial and ongoing part to play in helping to combat illegal working by ensuring they carry out the straightforward ‘Right to Work’ checks on potential employees.”

Chief Executive Edward Hardy said “Scheme registered sites, companies, suppliers and their clients are demonstrating a continued eagerness to keep raising the bar of considerate construction and improve industry standards across the UK. The new Checklist will be a significant driver in helping to achieve this goal.”

Mr Hardy added “The Checklist is reviewed annually to ensure it remains current, relevant and challenging. The new questions including those around the legitimacy of the workforce and attracting and retaining skills are clearly crucial issues for the future of the industry. The Considerate Constructors Scheme is delighted to be at the forefront of challenging the sector to improve performance in these areas.”

Find out more about the new Checklist here.

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