Drug & Alcohol Testing

From commercial builds to civil infrastructure, we deliver reliable on-site testing that ensures safety, compliance, and productivity across your projects.

Construction drug and alcohol testing Safety, excellence, one project at a time.

Our Service

  • Independent site visits
  • Commercial construction
  • Civils and infrastructure projects

A drug and alcohol testing policy is a workplace procedure necessary for health and safety, particularly in safety-critical roles, and requires a clear written policy, employee consent, and adherence to data protection laws. 

Testing must be carried out fairly and randomly, with confirmation of any non-negative results by an accredited laboratory

Employees can face disciplinary action for refusing a test, but they also have rights to support and confidentiality if they have a dependency problem.

Our Methods include: Saliva tests (for very recent drug use) and breathalyzers (for alcohol use).

Safety-Critical Roles: Testing is most justifiable when impairment could cause serious accidents or harm to the individual, other employees, or the public, such as operating heavy machinery, driving, or working in transport. 

  • Clear Written Policy: Employers need a well-defined policy, part of the contract or handbook, that outlines testing procedures, the substances tested for, and when testing will occur.
  • Employee Consent:Written consent is generally required for each test. Refusal without good reason can have consequences, but obtaining samples without consent could be illegal.  

Employee Rights and Protections

  • Right to Refuse (with caveats): You can’t be forced to take a test if there isn’t a valid policy and proper justification. 
  • Disciplinary Action for Refusal: If an employer has strong grounds under their policy for a test and you refuse, you could face disciplinary action, including termination. 
  • Data Protection: Information gathered from testing is sensitive “special category data” and must be kept confidential. 
  • Fairness: Testing should be limited to employees whose roles pose a risk, and you shouldn’t be tested just because a colleague in a higher-risk role is. 

When Testing is Required

  • Pre-Employment Screening: Some jobs, especially in the transport industry, may require tests before employment begins. 
  • Random Testing: If used, it must be genuinely random and applied only to those in safety-critical roles. 

So, what next?

If you are interested in speaking to us about construction drug and alcohol testing, please call on 0333 323 1392, email on info@national-ics.co.uk or contact us via the contact form.

Construction Drug & Alcohol Testing

Protecting your people, your reputation, and the success of every project.