Construction World May 2016

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Evans suggests informing employees of the necessity for such a programme by elaborating on the legal basis of testing in line with the OHSAct as well as the dangers associated with the consump- tion of alcohol. “You need to stipulate what the accepted alcohol levels will be. Most companies believe that this should be zero tolerance or a 0,000% BAC (blood alcohol concentration) while others may accept anything above 0,020% BAC as unacceptable. You then need to stipulate when such testing may take place. For example compulsory testing upon entry, random testing, post-accident testing and suspicion based testing,” he continues. Furthermore, one needs to state who may be tested and who is allowed to conduct testing. The procedure for testing should be clearly outlined. An example here is that there will be a first screening test followed 20 minutes later by a confirmation test if the first test is positive for alcohol. The repercussions of having a positive test result as well as those for employees refusing to take the test, need to be explained. “It’s important to consult with unions or employee representatives to obtain their input and to establish their understanding of how the alcohol testing equipment works and the procedure that will be followed for testing. A full outline of the implications of not abiding by both the OHSAct and individual company regulations, should be provided for discussion with both employees and their representatives and unions,” Evans notes. ALCO-Safe provides assistance in the formulation of alcohol and substance abuse programmes and the provision of police grade breathalysers to ensure high quality and consistent results, together with drug testing equipment suitable for workplace use. The company undertakes calibra- tions and maintenance on all of the equipment that it supplies. If positive test results are obtained ALCO-Safe can also assist with expert witnesses in CCMA cases and labour court hearings. A-OSH EXPO 2016 “The incidence of alcohol abuse in the workplace is an ongoing issue for South African businesses. The dangers of an intoxicated employee reporting for work on a construction site are all too obvious. A-OSH EXPO 2016 focuses not only the administration of PPE to ensure worker safety on site, but furthermore on the prevention of accidents and incidents SAVING MONEY AND LIVES One of the factors that affects risk control on construction sites is the absence or presence of a suitable and effective substance abuse workplace programme. This is according to Rhys Evans of ALCO-Safe. >

A-OSH EXPO is a huge drawcard for visitors from a number of indus- tries who are quick to recognise the convenience of accessing a wide offering of products and services under one roof.

through the deployment of adequate substance abuse educational and testing programmes,” says Joshua Low, A-OSH EXPO Event Director at Specialised Exhibitions. Held between 24 and 26 May 2016 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, A-OSH EXPO is a huge drawcard for visitors from a number of industries who are quick to recognise the convenience of accessing a wide offering of products and services under one roof. In addition to a solid round-up of health and safety service providers, suppliers andmanufacturers, A-OSH EXPOwill offer the ever popular free-to- attend NOSHEBO Seminar Theatre sponsored by Ansell, and PASMAWorking at Height Theatre. For the fifth consecutive year, Saiosh will also be running their comprehensive conference alongside A-OSH EXPO. An attraction which was launched at A-OSH EXPO last year will be continued in 2016. The Business Matchmaking Programme, sponsored by Ideco, sees visitors matched up with the most relevant exhibitors prior to the exhibition. This process provides visitors with the opportunity to schedule their appointments prior to the exhibitions and thereby allows them to maximise their exhibition experience. A-OSH EXPO 2016 enjoys the endorsement of a number of leading industry associations, including the Institute for Working at Height (IWH), IOSM, Nebosh, FPASA, NOSHEBO, PASMA, the Safety First Association, SAIOH, Sapema and Saiosh.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2016