Drink driving and drugs at work legal advice

Dyne Solicitors recognise that drink driving and drugs at work are serious health and safety issues that no business can afford to ignore.

We understand the problems that a drink-driving conviction can cause for an employer, from losing a top driver to the potential loss of livelihood in a small operation.

Statistics show that any business concerned with occupational driving needs to be aware of and prepared for this issue:

• In 2004 96,238 people were convicted of drink driving in England and Wales
  
  

• A 2006 YouGov poll found that one in ten male road users said they had, or might have, driven for business while over the legal alcohol limit.

We can provide practical and timely advice for business owners and managers on a range of drink-driving and motoring offence issues.

Drugs at work represent another problem that employers need to anticipate. It is illegal for a driver to be under the influence of drugs while driving, attempting to drive or when in charge of a vehicle but drug misuse in any work context can lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased risk of accidents, as well as potentially damaging your worker’s health.

We can advise on proactive measures to protect your business from drink and drug abuse, including substance misuse policies. In this way, individuals stay safe and your business is less likely to be adversely affected.

Our drink-driving and drugs at work legal services include

• Advice on breath and blood tests and the accuracy of readings
  
  

• Advice on the legality of arrests and what to do at the police station, including the right to silence
  
  

• Defence-related advocacy in the Magistrates Court
  
  

• Advice on disciplinary action and employee dismissals
  
  

• Advice on employers’ responsibilities under health and safety legislation, including risk assessments and supervision of drivers
  
  

• Drawing up comprehensive occupational driving policies
  
  

• Drafting and implementing a clear and comprehensive policy for your business on drug and alcohol misuse

For more information on our drink-driving and drugs at work legal services, please contact us.