From now on, anyone affected by drugs or alcohol at work will have to undergo treatment if they want to keep their job. And, starting January 1, workers in safety-sensitive positions will have to be prepared for random drug tests. Government s director of personnel Judith Hall-Bean said the reason it took so long is that every word had to be agreed to by the unions. She said it was crucial that people understood the goal is not to search out substance abusers for punishment, retribution or vengeance, but rather to help. It s been proven that drug and alcohol use affects employees performance.
Government provides a service to people, so it s especially important to have a policy in place.
Mrs. Hall-Bean said just as anyone with an illness would be offered help through the EAP, and so will drug and alcohol users. When unannounced random testing comes into effect next year, trained collectors will initially send urine samples for drug testing to certified laboratories overseas. Alcohol testing will be based on saliva checks and breath tests. If employees refuse to submit a sample, it will be assumed and considered the result is positive. The NDC s CEO Derrick Binns said the new policy goes a long way in helping it achieve its mandate for a drug-free Bermuda.