12th June 2006, 03:17 PM
I can't say I recognise 'trowelheads' assessment of the situation at all. I can only recall three instances of canabis use on site and all were in the nineties. It certainly isn't something you'd get away with on an urban site, or in other high risk areas (railways etc.). A colleague tells me that the H&S people have stopped him from wearing shorts at a quarry site. I doubt they'd turn a blind eye to someone under the influence of anything. However, I imagine that the opportunity would be greater on big sprawling rural sites, and there are a few tales of high times in the good old, bad old days.
I am reasonably sure that companies do not have the right to sack you if you are inelligable to work on any given project. After all, they have other projects, or can give people office work. On the other hand they wouldn't like it very much.
As a general point, I take the liberal view that it is none of your employer's business what you all get up to outside work, even if it is illegal. Compulsory testing is just another symptom of the surveillance society that is developing.
Turning up to work stoned is another matter, but people also roll in still drunk from a heavy night. It's the behaveour, not the drug that's the problem.
I am reasonably sure that companies do not have the right to sack you if you are inelligable to work on any given project. After all, they have other projects, or can give people office work. On the other hand they wouldn't like it very much.
As a general point, I take the liberal view that it is none of your employer's business what you all get up to outside work, even if it is illegal. Compulsory testing is just another symptom of the surveillance society that is developing.
Turning up to work stoned is another matter, but people also roll in still drunk from a heavy night. It's the behaveour, not the drug that's the problem.