Drugs on site

[Tree Brother]

How would you handle a situation where one of your team members, a subcontract climber accidentally dropped a bag of white substance while climbing a tree, as reported by one of your regular employees? The climber discreetly retrieved the bag during their break. As the owner or director, what steps would you take considering that the client has young children?

[doobin]

Gone. 

[Steven P]

Pretty much all industries would be the same... gone as Doobin succinctly puts it.

 

If it is drugs and on site the inference is that the climber will use them sometime and do you want any of the rest of your team to suffer the consequences, injuries or near misses. Next worst option is do you want any of your team to rescue to go on a rescue? Then of course how will it affect your business, insurances, you, your responsibilities as an employer.... Same as if an employee wanted to use machinery or drive when drunk, would you let that go? 

 

You could have a chat with them first to confirm what it was however....

[topchippyles]

1 hour ago, Tree Brother said:

How would you handle a situation where one of your team members, a subcontract climber accidentally dropped a bag of white substance while climbing a tree, as reported by one of your regular employees? The climber discreetly retrieved the bag during their break. As the owner or director, what steps would you take considering that the client has young children?

Man up and kick his arse 

[spudulike]

Not sure why you are asking. If you employ him, you are condoning drug taking and the consequences whilst in your employment.

Only happened once in my past, all three gone within minutes. The correct decision then and the correct one now.

If there is an accident on site and this comes out, it could ruin you and your business so why even contemplate it. 

There is no excuse for drugs and alcohol in a mechanised and dangerous industry!

I am taking the assumption the little bag of white powder was drugs and not talc for his athletes foot....ask and take no shyte!!

[spuddog0507]

Oh dear,, that in my book is down the Rd matey, just say something happened where someone else got hurt where would you be be ??  you could save yourself a load of hassle and get rid of him,,

[Blackbriarwoods]

Most of the companies/organisations I've worked for had a zero tolerance policy on drugs, with random drugs and alcohol testing carried out, if caught straight dismissal

[Haironyourchest]

Scenario: the OP approaches the subbie and asks "What's the story with the baggie of power, mate?"

 

Subbie replies: (couple of possible scenarios)

 

1. "Don't know what you're talking about, boss? No, I didn't drop a bag. Must have been someone else." Etc.

 

2. "Oh that? That was just baking soda. Yeah I had an acid stomach that day."

 

What happens next? Let's role play it.

[Gordon S]

15 minutes ago, Haironyourchest said:

Scenario: the OP approaches the subbie and asks "What's the story with the baggie of power, mate?"

 

Subbie replies: (couple of possible scenarios)

 

1. "Don't know what you're talking about, boss? No, I didn't drop a bag. Must have been someone else." Etc.

 

2. "Oh that? That was just baking soda. Yeah I had an acid stomach that day."

 

What happens next? Let's role play it.

Boss - Ok that's great news, then you won't mind doing a drugs test (available at chemists or online)

 

Subbie - Errrrr

 

 

[spudulike]

It isn't like the fella has 25 years of service with the company.

Look at the other side where he has a fatal accident on your site or manages to severely hurt another employee  and it comes out that he was carrying and the autopsy/H&S investigation finds drugs in his possession and system....doesn't look good.

Life is complicated enough without having this sort of bollox waiting to happen!