Intoxication at the workplace
Unauthorised use of substances at the workplace and working under the influence of substances are serious violations of work responsibilities. The use of substances or working while intoxicated can, in the worst case scenario, endanger occupational safety or the safety of customers and be regarded as a crime (e.g. traffic safety). The use of drugs is a crime.
If an employee is suspected of being under the influence of substances at work, the supervisor has an occupational safety obligation to intervene in the situation. Within the framework of their duties, the supervisor has the right to investigate the situation and take necessary action. If the first person to make the observation is someone other than the supervisor, the supervisor should be informed of the suspicion.
The supervisor must assess the situation on a case-by-case basis and act in accordance with the workplace’s substance abuse programme. An acute situation must be addressed immediately by assessing the employee’s work ability as agreed in the substance abuse programme and by removing from the workplace an employee who comes to work or performs their work under the influence of substances. A time for the discussion and other possible measures shall be agreed separately when the employee is able to work.