Alcohol and Drug Policy

(Document Web Link)

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Purpose

Equipment Inc. (the Company) believes it is vital to offer its employees and customers a safe, healthy and productive work environment. We recognize that the use of illicit drugs and the inappropriate use of alcohol and medications can adversely affect an employee’s health, safety, and job performance.  It can also affect or endanger other employees, contract workers, customers or members of the public. 

 

In light of this, and the safety-sensitive nature of our operations, this policy is intended to outline in more detail the standards and expectations associated with alcohol and drug use. It confirms the company’s commitment to minimize risk throughout our operations as one more component of our corporate standards manual.

 

Scope and Application

The following provisions apply to all employees while they are engaged in company business, working on company premises and worksites, and operating company vehicles and equipment. Violations of these provisions will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Because of the greater risk involved in performing certain functions, some positions have been designated as “safety-sensitive”. Individuals holding these positions will be expected to meet higher standards as outlined in the policy. 

 

All independent contractors will be advised of the applicable provisions of this policy and will be expected to enforce these requirements for their employees, sub-contractors and agents. Any contravention will be considered a breach of their contract.

 

Employee Responsibilities

All employees are expected to perform their job in a safe manner and in all ways consistent with established company practices.

In addition, it is expected that everyone will;

Read and understand the policy and their responsibilities under it;

 Report fit for duty for any and all scheduled or unscheduled duties and remain fit for duty while on company business and premises;

Seek advice and follow appropriate treatment if they have a current or emerging problem, and follow recommended monitoring programs after attending treatment;

Cooperate with any work modification related to safety concerns;

Intervene as appropriate to encourage a co-worker to access assistance before an alcohol or drug problem impacts performance or safety;

Cooperate with an investigation into a violation of this policy, including any request to participate in the testing program as and when required to do so under this policy

 

Because all individuals working for Caron Equipment Inc. have a shared responsibility for workplace safety, employees are encouraged to look out for other employees, contractors or visitors in terms of fitness for duty. They are expected to take appropriate action to ensure no individual remains in an unfit condition on company premises or a worksite such that they may endanger themselves or others, by ensuring their supervisor or another member of management is advised of the situation.

 

Responsibly use prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Medications of concern are those that inhibit or may inhibit an employee's ability to perform their job safely and productively.  A guideline on medications is attached. Investigate (through their doctor or pharmacist) whether a medication can affect safe operation by advising them of what type of work you do;

 

Act responsibly and use a safe alternative medication choice when available (e.g. non-drowsy);

Take appropriate action to minimize safety risk by advising management of any need for modified duties if the medication will affect their ability to operate safely; and

Comply with any recommended course of action to minimize safety risk, which could include temporary reassignment if possible or leave as appropriate to the situation.

 

The Company reserves the right to confirm the nature and duration of modified work requirements with the treating physician, without any breach in medical confidentiality.

 

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors will be responsible for;

Ongoing performance management to ensure safe operations and effectiveness of the program;

Guiding employees who seek assistance for a problem to appropriate resources (e.g. the Employee and Family Assistance Program or other local resources) while maintaining confidentiality under the circumstances;

Making arrangements for a Substance Abuse Professional assessment through the Program Administrator or designate if an employee says they have a problem;

Taking appropriate steps to investigate any possible violation of the standards set out under this policy;

Making referrals for an alcohol and drug test in a post-accident or reasonable cause situation as and when required to do so under this policy;

Monitoring and ensuring policy compliance of contract workers.

 

Health and Safety Management Responsibilities

The Health and Safety Department is responsible for;

Ongoing management of the alcohol and drug testing program

Details on the standards, procedures and definitions of terms are found in the following sections of the policy. 

It is subject to ongoing review and evaluation, and modifications will be made as deemed necessary to respond to current circumstances and evolving needs.

 

Guideline

To minimize the risk of unsafe and unsatisfactory performance due to the use of alcohol or other drugs, employees are expected to comply with the following standards, and to report fit for duty and remain fit for duty throughout their workday or shift.

 

The following are prohibited while on company business, premises and worksites;

The use, possession, distribution, offering or sale of illicit drugs;

Reporting for duty or remaining on duty under the influence of illicit drugs;

The presence in the body of illicit drugs as determined through the testing program

 

The use, possession, distribution, offering or sale of beverage alcohol is prohibited when on company business, premises and worksites. Employees shall not;

Report for duty or remain on duty under the influence of alcohol from any source;

Consume any alcoholic beverage during the work day or shift, including during meals or other breaks;

Have an alcohol test result of .04 BAC or greater; or

Use alcohol within the first eight hours after an accident or until tested or advised by the company that a test is not required.

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Click this link to view the full policy.

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