People admit to being drunk and hungover in risky jobs
9th, May 2008
A Norwich Union study found that people in risky jobs are going to work hungover or drunk and they admitted this could be a health and safety risk.
The research showed that a fifth of people working in construction and 15% of those working in wholesale and agriculture go to work hung over once a week.
Workers in labour intensive occupations admitted that their alcohol use did not only affect productivity but that it could potentially threaten the health and safety of themselves and others.
Some 61% of people working in manufacturing and 41% in construction roles said that they found it hard to concentrate with a hangover. A third of construction workers and nearly a quarter in manufacturing also admitted that they make lots of mistakes that they needed to rectify the following day.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, construction is one of the most dangerous industry’s. Last year around 69 construction workers were killed.
In guidance to employees the Health and Safety Executive said:
“There are no precise figures on the number of workplace accidents where alcohol is a factor, but alcohol is known to affect judgement and physical co-ordination. Drinking even small amounts of alcohol before or while carrying out work that is ‘safety sensitive’ will increase the risk of an accident.”
Don Shenker, from Alcohol Concern, said:
"With many people drinking at harmful levels it's not surprising to find that it is having an effect on the workplace. After work or lunchtime drinks are the norm for many and in some cases this is promoted by companies as a way to build teams or just as the way 'to do business'. Employers need to watch out for the early warning signs that alcohol may be affecting their workers in a serious way."
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