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We had recent (supposedly) random tests,one guy failed on amphetamine traces and has been suspended.
He says he is mystified as to the amphetamine marker as he does not indulge.
I have heard tales of over the counter medicines providing false markers,in particular Night Nurse.
What is relevant is that another guy was asked by the nurse if he was taking any body building supplements 'that may show up as something'
As a Union rep I would be very glad to hear if anyone has any experience in this, I have not yet looked on the web for fear of being of erwhelmed with info.

Suspended on full pay until a more in-depth test has been carried out I hope?

Yep been tested at work.

Four of us went in and passed..

I was a bit surprised when I had to give a urine sample, as when I entered the toilet they had taped up the flush on the loo and the taps to stop them working.

Yes,suspended on full pay.
My co rep has done some research, the tests are broad spectrum, they only indicate that the body is breaking down a certain type of compound,the nurse stated that there can be false indicators.
If the employer suspected drug use ( I believe employee was targeted ),they should have discussed this and then tested to see if drug use affected his ability to work.

fatboy wrote: If the employer suspected drug use ( I believe employee was targeted ),they should have discussed this and then tested to see if drug use affected his ability to work.

Why?

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/ ... -workplace

https://www.gov.uk/monitoring-work-work ... ug-testing

lazarus wrote:

fatboy wrote: If the employer suspected drug use ( I believe employee was targeted ),they should have discussed this and then tested to see if drug use affected his ability to work.

Why?

Why not?

mangocrazy wrote:

lazarus wrote:

fatboy wrote: If the employer suspected drug use ( I believe employee was targeted ),they should have discussed this and then tested to see if drug use affected his ability to work.

Why?

Why not?

Working for a big company, When I signed my contract it does stipulate that I could be random drugs tested at any time.

And with big earth moving machinery being driven by operatives, they are also under the same contract.

I for one would not mind being asked to provide a sample on the off chance, as I would expect an operative to do the same.

I am with you graham, I accept that no explanation should be given as we all need to stay safe at work.

i agree with testing - but folk also need to be aware that some medicinal drugs will stay in the system for up to six months and will show in a test - many day nasal procedures use cocaine for example, and many morphine based pain killers - fentanyl, MST etc, are heroin based....

having said that with the exception of MS sufferers, there is no reason to test positive for cannaboids!

legally it is a grey area - one that does need to be sorted

Sorry Alad what was the list again I didn't have a pen handy ;)

Thanks for the links Flatlander.
A bit of searching last night has revealed the urine test can be fundamentally flawed,most decongestant products,most cold and flu remedies are likely to provide a false amphetamine marker, some new antibiotics will produce false cocaine markers,ibuprofen can leave cannabis markers, codiene based products can produce false opiate markers,as can eating poppy seeds.
All in all the urine test is inaccurate and as my company has a zero tolerance policy on even a trace of suspicious metabolin, then they need to be testing with a very high degree of accuracy

lazarus wrote:

fatboy wrote: If the employer suspected drug use ( I believe employee was targeted ),they should have discussed this and then tested to see if drug use affected his ability to work.

Why?

If you suspected an employee was working and trying to disguise an injury would you simply fire them for not disclosing this, a health issue that may lead to loss of income if discovered.....?
Even though they still performed tasks to total satisfaction....?
Drug use or drug reliance is a health issue whether the drugs come from your doctor or your dealer

blinkey501 wrote:

mangocrazy wrote:

lazarus wrote:

fatboy wrote: If the employer suspected drug use ( I believe employee was targeted ),they should have discussed this and then tested to see if drug use affected his ability to work.

Why?

Why not?

Working for a big company, When I signed my contract it does stipulate that I could be random drugs tested at any time.

And with big earth moving machinery being driven by operatives, they are also under the same contract.

I for one would not mind being asked to provide a sample on the off chance, as I would expect an operative to do the same.

I am with you graham, I accept that no explanation should be given as we all need to stay safe at work.

Actually my point was the opposite to how you took it, Jay. I don't work with heavy machinery ( the heaviest thing I lift at work is a keyboard), but even if I did I would be very leery of any employer deciding I was a likely druggy and random testing without any warning or notification. I also believe the govt guidelines indicate that testing without any warning is unacceptable. If you've already signed a form saying you submit to random drug tests, then that's a different matter.

I'm loath to mention the dreaded Human Rights, but I believe this is one of those instances where they might need to be invoked. If someone is coming to work spaced out or under the influence then they deserve all they get, but if anyone is being punished for light recreational use (assuming their work performance is up to standard) then I regard this as unwarranted intrusion into personal life.

Have just attended a course on drugs and alcohol abuse for "decision takers " i e for those who may need to send employees for due course testing, and were told in no uncertain terms that the company's policy was that there would be no random testing.
The Employee must give good cause for being asked to give a sample, i e stink of booze, have an accident or turn up to work on a guzzi california

I personally feel that anyone who takes drugs for recreational purposes is a mug.(just my opinion of course).

As for the drug tests (I have had to do a few in my time at work) I really haven't got a problem with doing one (yes it's in my contract that I signed) but I have always been asked "have you taken anything prescribed or over the counter cold/flu relieving products in the last month"