HSE TOOL BOX TALK

Topic: Substance Abuse TBT No: QF 19-02-18/15

Workplace / Project: Date:

Name of Supervisor or Presenter: Time:

TBT Content(s) / Discussion(s)

Substance abuse includes alcohol and/or drugs legal and illegal. In a high risk industry such as ours,
drink/drugs and work don’t mix; both impact on brain functions reducing levels of awareness and alertness
and slowing down reaction time.
Employees suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be sent off site and disciplinary
action will be taken. The abuse of alcohol and drugs has resulted in employees losing their jobs. Losing your
job due to alcohol and drug abuse makes it difficult for you to find work again, without help most people even
end up losing their families.
When under the influence of alcohol or drugs you’re not just risking your own life you are also placing at risk
the lives of your fellow co-workers. Even drinking prescribed medication could have an effect on your ability to
function 100% at work, when drinking medication for flue or cold make sure from the doctor that it will not
have a negative effect on you. Some cough medication contains alcohol; make sure to get one without alcohol.
Here are some tips on abuse prevention
 Don’t get drunk the night before and expect to work safely on site the next day. Alcohol takes time to
work out of the system. As a rough guide a single unit of alcohol (a single spirit or glass of wine, or ½
a pint of beer) will take one hour leave your body.

 Be aware of the signs of drug use which include watery eyes, pin – point or dilated pupils, running
nose, constant sniffing, tight lips, sores, ulcers, trembling, fatigue and irritability. If you see such
signs then report it and help eliminate a serious risk, ignore it and it could be you that gets hurt!

 Be aware of prescribed drugs as well as illegal drugs. Some prescribed drugs can cause drowsiness’.
Be responsible; if you are using prescribed drugs inform your site management of it.

 Confine your drinking to social occasions where there is suitable recovery time and if offered drugs
just say “no” as well as creating a risk in the work place, drinking and drug abuse will damage your
body.

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QF 19-02-8 Rev. A
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Comments/Feedback

Name & Sign of Presenter

QF 19-02-8 Rev. A