Capital Equipment News October 2015

HEALTH & SAFETY

Rhys Evans

tion, policies should be implemented to en- sure that employees are sober during work- ing hours, and come to work sober. This not only helps to curb excessive consumption, it also makes the workplace safer for all em- ployees, including pregnant women. These policies should be backed and enforced by regular testing for alcohol consumption us- ing breathalyser equipment. The effects of FASD are permanent and af- fect sufferers their entire lives, while also having a negative impact on the economy and communities. This entirely preventable condition can only be curbed by reducing maternal alcohol consumption during preg- nancy, and employees can play a significant role in this. Through education and compre- hensive policies backed by regular testing, alcohol abuse in the workplace and at home can be significantly reduced. There are a va- riety of solutions available to suit a variety of needs that can curb alcohol use in the work- place and deliver significant benefits where the health of female employees is a crucial consideration. b

In South Africa, the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR) has reported a steady increase in the occurrence of FASD in school-entry children. The 2001 preva- lence rates indicated an alarming frequency of FAS at 8.8 % in the Western Cape. Other studies in Gauteng have reported a com- monness of 2.2 % in Soweto, 1.2 % in Lena- sia and 3.7 % in Westbury. Recent research also completed by the FARR in the Northern Cape revealed an increase of 10.2 % in this area. FASD is clearly a significant problem, caused entirely by the abuse of alcohol, which affects on average one in every 50 South Africans. Although alcohol abuse is often regarded as a social issue, the problem goes much further than this, having an on-going neg- ative economic impact. It also affects em- ployers of alcoholics, resulting in lack of productivity, potential health and safety vi- olations, increased number of sick days and more. When adding pregnancy to the mix, and considering the dire consequences of drinking throughout a pregnancy, companies need to increase their efforts to assist to re- duce these incidents. This requires first and foremost for employ- ers to implement comprehensive education programmes around the dangers of alcohol abuse, particularly while pregnant. In addi-

physical deformity is not evident, babies with FASD are likely to have problems in later life including vision, learning, behavioural and social issues. In addition, it has been observed that suffer- ers of FASD generally lack the ability to make sound judgements, and they are more likely to suffer from mental disorders, including at- tention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and anxiety. Further to this, FASD sufferers are more likely to develop a drinking problem of their own, perpetuating the cycle.

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS OCTOBER 2015