Alcohol: under the influence vs testing positive

The concept of being under the influence in the workplace involves more than just a positive breathalyser reading, as labour law considers several additional factors

- Christoff Pretorius.

Employees that report for duty under the influence of alcohol present a real problem, which employers are faced with on a regular basis.

The use of alcohol affects an employee's sight, speech, coordination, and reaction speed. Employees working with machinery or driving a vehicle who are under the influence of alcohol hold a high risk for the employer, themselves, and their colleagues.

It is employers’ responsibility to create a safe working environment for all employees, and they must therefore always act in accordance with the applicable disciplinary code.

Cough medicine, a booster sachet, or a beer are just a few items that could lead to a positive result when a person is tested for alcohol.

The rate at which someone becomes impaired or intoxicated is influenced by gender, age, body size, food in the stomach, and so on.

MORE THAN JUST A POSITIVE BREATHALYSER READING

The concept of being under the influence in the workplace involves more than just a positive breathalyser reading, as labour law considers several additional factors.