It is a criminal offence to be unfit through drugs or alcohol while doing
work known as safety critical work. We believe drugs and alcohol misuse is
unacceptable under any work-related circumstances and therefore apply a
zero-tolerance approach. We support this approach through regular drugs and
alcohol testing.
Workers with Personal Track Safety (PTS) cards or in
safety critical jobs must also comply with internal regulations on prescription
medications.
Drugs and alcohol testing for employee
All employees are subject to Network Rail’s drugs and alcohol policy. It
applies to all employees, including those on part-time or temporary contracts,
consultants, agency and other people working for or on behalf of Network Rail,
including all PTS card holders.
Network Rail carries out random drugs and alcohol tests on workers with PTS
cards or in safety critical jobs. All staff will be tested for drugs and
alcohol if they are involved in a serious accident or incident or appear to be
under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
Refusal to take a test will be treated as a positive result and may result in
dismissal.
Drugs and alcohol testing in the recruitment process
All job offers from Network Rail are made on the condition of compliance with
our drugs and alcohol policy.
People applying for safety-critical
posts or jobs that require a Sentinel Competence Card will be required to
undergo a pre-appointment drugs and alcohol test.
All other applicants
are required to sign a statement to confirm that they understand the drugs and
alcohol policy and state their personal intention to comply.
Anyone who
refuses to comply with our drugs and alcohol policy will not be considered for
employment with Network Rail.