Drug use on the job

mr_fegelien · 19-10-2020 3:28pm #1

Will minor drug use be an issue when working for most companies? I'm talking about things like using weed, benzos, or opiates when working that aren't prescribed to you.

I've heard drug testing isn't really a thing in Ireland with the exception of the American MNC's.

Kimbot · 19-10-2020 3:29pm

It all depends on if it changes how you perform etc.

whiskeyman · 19-10-2020 3:30pm

It will be if it's part of their policy / in your contract.

con747 · 19-10-2020 3:48pm

You want to know is it alright to go to work after taking illegal drugs that would compromise your ability to carry out most jobs unless your testing mattresses or lazy boy chairs. Another great thread :rolleyes:

19-10-2020 3:53pm

Just tell the boss to be cool and chill out and see how your boss takes that answer if they ask you....?

seamus · 19-10-2020 3:59pm

Drug testing is not a thing in Ireland. It's fraught with legal issues around employment law and the right to privacy.

In short, what you do in your spare time is none of the company's business and they are not entitled to ask. It only becomes an issue if it may affect the reputation of the company, your ability to do your job, or is a conflict of interest.

Ddad · 19-10-2020 4:03pm

seamus wrote: »

Drug testing is not a thing in Ireland. It's fraught with legal issues around employment law and the right to privacy.

In short, what you do in your spare time is none of the company's business and they are not entitled to ask. It only becomes an issue if it may affect the reputation of the company, your ability to do your job, or is a conflict of interest.

I have a close friend who failed a urine test for grass on a site with a lot of heavy machinery, he was out the door straight away. It happens.

august2016 · 19-10-2020 4:10pm

seamus wrote: »

Drug testing is not a thing in Ireland. It's fraught with legal issues around employment law and the right to privacy.

In short, what you do in your spare time is none of the company's business and they are not entitled to ask. It only becomes an issue if it may affect the reputation of the company, your ability to do your job, or is a conflict of interest.

My current company are an Irish company and drug test regularly. Every new starter is tested as well as random testing throughout the year so believe me, it does happen in Ireland.

The company I worked in before this one was in the process of buying drug testing equipment and breathalyzers also because of a few reports of lads spending their breaks 'relaxing'.

SEPT 23 1989 · 19-10-2020 4:12pm

One you are not operating heavy machinery you will be grand OP

drunkmonkey · 19-10-2020 4:12pm

I've been tested during induction weeks at American businesses here, haven't seen it besides that but I do know a contractor who's job is to go around testing people at work if there's an accident.

Ash.J.Williams · 19-10-2020 4:12pm

seamus wrote: »

Drug testing is not a thing in Ireland. It's fraught with legal issues around employment law and the right to privacy.

In short, what you do in your spare time is none of the company's business and they are not entitled to ask. It only becomes an issue if it may affect the reputation of the company, your ability to do your job, or is a conflict of interest.

drug testing (cannabis coke smack) is standard enough for a medical, you need to consent though and refusal means guilt.

xalot · 19-10-2020 4:13pm

seamus wrote: »

Drug testing is not a thing in Ireland. It's fraught with legal issues around employment law and the right to privacy.

In short, what you do in your spare time is none of the company's business and they are not entitled to ask. It only becomes an issue if it may affect the reputation of the company, your ability to do your job, or is a conflict of interest.

You're incorrect Seamus, plenty of companies require drug testing to adhere to EU safety regulations and you dont have to have a safety critical role to be tested.

In my organisation, any positive test will result in your dismissal.

daheff · 19-10-2020 4:13pm

Ddad wrote: »

I have a close friend who failed a urine test for grass on a site with a lot of heavy machinery, he was out the door straight away. It happens.

In some situations like this where somebody operating heavy machinery that can kill or injure somebody, its the right thing to test.

for some lad/lady typing away on the keyboard unlikely to injure somebody, then its a much bigger debate.

Ash.J.Williams · 19-10-2020 4:18pm

Ddad wrote: »

I have a close friend who failed a urine test for grass on a site with a lot of heavy machinery, he was out the door straight away. It happens.

smoke is the worst , 8 days of solid detox or up to a month in your system. the rest are fine ...few days max

witchgirl26 · 19-10-2020 4:32pm

Drug testing can be a thing depending on the company you work for and the role you're doing. Not just in American MNC. If you have responsibility for machinery or heavy goods, there will most likely be a clause in your contract that allows your employer to test for drugs if they have a legitimate reason for thinking you may be impaired.
And while the use may not be happening at work, if it's impacting your work, test or no test, they will likely have a clause that allows them to fire you for illegal activity.

greenspurs · 19-10-2020 5:25pm

yet another thread with Fegs thinly veiled attempts at broadcasting his drug use , and using drugs obtained illegally ? (not prescribed for you ) ??

Honestly lad, give it a rest !!

BMHOPE · 20-10-2020 1:25pm

Bananas, is illegal drug use acceptable full stop? Not to mind in a work setting. I got advice on this previously and the advice is to get your employment contract to refer to your employee booklet, you can change sections in the booklet then to reflect changes in health and safety etc. In the employee booklet, you then mention random drug tests and that it is a serious breach and classifies as gross misconduct. You then have to ensure that you randomly get people tested for drugs making sure the suspect is in the random selection. If they fail depending on the risk posed by the person it could result in instant dismissal or more likely you have to offer to help them with rehabilitation, putting them in touch with counselling services etc. Organising time off if necessary to attend sessions and putting it in writing that they have been warned and will now have to do another random drug test or tests to ensure that they are adhering to company policy. This is a defense in case of unfair dismissal or you may want to keep a good worker or genuinely help the person out. But if they are impaired at work you cannot allow them to continue for health and safety of co workers and themselves but also precident to other employees.

Ash.J.Williams · 20-10-2020 5:24pm

BMHOPE wrote: »

Bananas, is illegal drug use acceptable full stop? Not to mind in a work setting. I got advice on this previously and the advice is to get your employment contract to refer to your employee booklet, you can change sections in the booklet then to reflect changes in health and safety etc. In the employee booklet, you then mention random drug tests and that it is a serious breach and classifies as gross misconduct. You then have to ensure that you randomly get people tested for drugs making sure the suspect is in the random selection. If they fail depending on the risk posed by the person it could result in instant dismissal or more likely you have to offer to help them with rehabilitation, putting them in touch with counselling services etc. Organising time off if necessary to attend sessions and putting it in writing that they have been warned and will now have to do another random drug test or tests to ensure that they are adhering to company policy. This is a defense in case of unfair dismissal or you may want to keep a good worker or genuinely help the person out. But if they are impaired at work you cannot allow them to continue for health and safety of co workers and themselves but also precident to other employees.

i wonder could cannabis be challenged? Not for a new job obviously but if weed can stay in your system (urine) for months, and you set up testing to catch one person and he said he had a spliff 2 weeks ago, might be challengeable in court. For in work random testing the garda saliva test is bullet proof. I means you taken coke or smoke in the previous hours.

Drug use on the job

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