Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Drugs & Alcohol Policy

Last updated: August 2026

1. About This Policy

SiteJobs is an online platform that connects construction workers directly with employers. We are not an employer, labour provider, or recruitment agency. We do not employ, supervise, or manage workers on construction sites.

Construction is a high-risk industry where the effects of drugs and alcohol can cause serious injuries and fatalities. This policy sets out the standards SiteJobs expects from all employers who use our platform, and the requirements for workers seeking employment through SiteJobs.

This policy supports compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

2. Our Role and Responsibilities

As a platform operator, SiteJobs' responsibilities are limited to:

• Requiring all employers on our platform to have and enforce their own drugs and alcohol policy
• Making workers aware that drug and alcohol testing is standard practice on UK construction sites
• Providing information on where to seek help for drug or alcohol problems
• Removing employers from the platform where there is evidence of systematic safety failures

SiteJobs does not:

• Conduct drug or alcohol testing - this is the sole responsibility of the employer
• Supervise or monitor workers on construction sites
• Enforce site safety rules - this is the sole responsibility of the employer and site management
• Take disciplinary action against workers - this is the sole responsibility of the employer

3. What Employers Must Do

All employers who use SiteJobs to recruit workers are solely responsible for:

• Implementing and enforcing a drugs and alcohol policy on their sites
• Conducting pre-employment, random, post-incident, and for-cause drug and alcohol testing as appropriate
• Ensuring no worker attends site under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Providing a safe working environment in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Providing information and support to workers regarding drug and alcohol dependency
• Taking appropriate disciplinary action against workers who breach their drugs and alcohol policy

4. What Workers Should Expect

Workers who find employment through SiteJobs should expect:

• To work on sites where drug and alcohol policies are clearly communicated
• To be informed of any drug and alcohol testing requirements before starting work
• To be treated fairly and consistently under the employer's drugs and alcohol policy
• To have access to information about support for drug or alcohol problems

5. Construction Site Risks

Construction sites involve high-risk activities. Workers impaired by drugs or alcohol pose a danger to themselves and everyone around them. Impairment can lead to:

• Falls from height
• Struck by moving plant or vehicles
• Incorrect operation of machinery and equipment
• Structural collapses
• Fatal accidents

6. Prescription Medication

Workers taking prescribed or over-the-counter medication that may affect their ability to work safely must inform their employer and site supervisor directly. This includes medication that may cause drowsiness, impaired judgement, or affect the ability to operate machinery or work at height. SiteJobs has no role in managing or monitoring medication disclosures.

7. Help and Support

If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, help is available:

• FRANK (drugs advice): 0300 123 6600 or talktofrank.com
• Drinkline (alcohol advice): 0300 123 1110
• Your GP or healthcare professional
• Your employer's occupational health service, if available

8. Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about drug or alcohol use on a construction site, report them to:

• The site manager or employer directly
• The HSE (Health and Safety Executive): 0345 300 9923 or hse.gov.uk
• SiteJobs: [email protected] (we will pass serious concerns to the relevant authorities)

9. Consequences for Employers

Employers who demonstrate a pattern of ignoring drug and alcohol safety on their sites may be removed from the SiteJobs platform. SiteJobs reserves the right to suspend or remove any employer where there is evidence of systematic health and safety failures.

10. Limitation of Liability

SiteJobs is a platform provider, not an employer. We do not accept liability for health and safety practices, drug and alcohol testing, or workplace conditions on any employer's site. The responsibility for maintaining a safe, drug-free workplace rests solely with the employer.

11. Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to ensure it remains effective and reflects current legislation, industry standards, and best practice.