Everyone working on behalf of H&S has a responsibility to arrive and remain capable of carrying out their work safely.

Drugs and alcohol can affect judgement, coordination, concentration and decision-making. In construction environments—where people may work around access equipment, tools, materials, vehicles, other trades and members of the public—those effects can create risks extending well beyond the individual concerned.

Smoking also requires appropriate controls and consideration for site rules, fire safety, colleagues and the environments in which we operate.

Clear expectations are therefore important. Individuals should understand and comply with relevant H&S requirements as well as any additional rules established by clients, principal contractors, transport operators or individual sites.

Managers and supervisors have a role in maintaining appropriate working standards, communicating expectations and responding appropriately where concerns arise.

Wellbeing also matters. A responsible approach should recognise that people can sometimes need support. Creating an environment where individuals feel able to seek appropriate help can contribute to safer outcomes for both the person concerned and those working around them.

The formal policy statement remains the authoritative source for H&S requirements relating to drugs, alcohol and smoking and should be read alongside relevant project and site-specific rules.