Festive safety – hidden risks of drugs and alcohol in the workplace

The festive season is a time many employees look forward to - team socials, end-of-year parties, and a well-earned break. But for employers, this period also brings a heightened set of risks. Increased alcohol consumption, recreational drug use and the emotional pressures of the season can all compromise workplace safety and productivity.

For organisations that prioritise occupational health, wellbeing and compliance, taking a proactive approach to drug and alcohol testing during the festive months is essential. This article explores the hidden risks associated with the festive period, why testing matters, and how it can protect both your workforce and business.

Several risk factors of drugs and alcohol during the festive season

1. Increased social drinking and “next-day impairment”

Christmas parties, family gatherings and holiday celebrations often involve alcohol. Many employees may not consider the lingering effects the next morning - reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and poor decision-making. In safety-critical environments such as rail maintenance, transport operations, construction sites or manufacturing plants, these impairments can have catastrophic consequences.

2. Higher likelihood of recreational drug use

Recreational drug use, particularly at social events, typically increases in December. Even small amounts of substances such as cannabis, cocaine or ketamine can stay in a person’s system long enough to impair performance well into the working week. These risks are particularly concerning in industries where sharp focus and hazard awareness are essential.

3. Festive stress and mental health pressures

For many, Christmas is not just a time of joy - it also brings financial pressure, family stress, loneliness and emotional strain. These challenges can lead some employees to rely on substances as coping mechanisms. Understanding the link between wellbeing and mental health and substance misuse is vital for employers aiming to support and safeguard their teams.

4. Fatigue and reduced resilience

Late nights, disrupted sleep routines, and increased commitments outside of work can lead to fatigue. Combined with alcohol or drugs, fatigue dramatically increases the likelihood of workplace incidents - particularly in the utilities and energy industries, where lapses in judgement can cause high-risk safety failures.

The dangers of employees being under the influence at work

An impaired employee poses a serious risk to themselves, their colleagues, and the business especially in safety-critical sectors like rail, logistics, construction, and utilities. Under the influence, individuals operating machinery, driving vehicles, or managing technical systems pose a significant risk, such as:

• Machinery accidents

• Vehicle collisions

• Electrical hazards

• Slips, trips and falls

• Breach of safety protocols

• Failure to follow operational procedures

• Damage to productivity and performance

Even mild impairments like slower reaction times and reduced concentration can significantly disrupt workflows and jeopardise safety in industries where timing and precision are essential.

Beyond operational risks, employers face significant legal and reputational consequences. Allowing impaired employees to work can lead to regulatory breaches, insurance invalidation, compliance failures, financial penalties, and damage to brand reputation. In heavily regulated industries, a single incident linked to drugs or alcohol can jeopardize contracts and client trust for years.

How workplace drug and alcohol testing can mitigate festive risks

Implementing robust drug and alcohol testing procedures is an effective way employers can reduce festive season risks while demonstrating a strong commitment to occupational health and wellbeing.

1. Deterrence through clear policy and procedure

A well-communicated substance misuse policy sets expectations and promotes safe behaviour. Employees are less likely to take risks if they know for-cause testing is in place - particularly in high-risk industries such as construction, logistics and utilities.

2. Pre-employment, random and for-cause testing

A comprehensive testing programme typically includes:

• Pre-employment testing - ensuring new starters meet safety standards

• Random testing - preventing complacency and deterring substance misuse

• For-cause testing - should a manager believe a colleague to be under the influence

• Post-incident testing - protecting the business during investigations

This structured approach helps reduce risk across all operational areas.

3. Early identification and intervention

Testing helps employers identify problems early and provide appropriate support, particularly when misuse is linked to mental health or stress. Instead of relying solely on disciplinary measures, a balanced approach that includes confidential referrals, health assessments, and access to wellbeing and rehabilitation resources can protect both workplace safety and employee welfare.

4. Maintaining compliance in regulated industries

For employers in the rail and transport sector, drug and alcohol testing is often mandatory to meet regulatory and contractual requirements. Robust testing programmes help ensure compliance with industry standards and safety systems, while also supporting accreditation goals. By maintaining strong compliance, businesses enhance their reputation, reliability, and overall operational resilience.

Training and consultancy: strengthening workplace safety

An effective testing programme extends beyond the tests themselves, with companies gaining significant value from professional training and consultancy to ensure best practice. Training equips managers and supervisors to recognise signs of impairment, conduct testing ethically, manage documentation, understand legal obligations, and support employee wellbeing. With these skills, leaders can respond quickly and confidently when issues arise.

Promoting wellbeing and mental health during the festive season

While testing and compliance are essential, a preventative wellbeing strategy is equally important. Companies that support mental health help reduce the likelihood of employees turning to substances in the first place.

Helpful initiatives include:

• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)

• Stress management workshops

• Mental health first aid training

• Open communication channels

• Workload planning during busy periods

• Confidential occupational health assessments

By creating a culture of openness and support, employers foster a safer, healthier workforce.

A safer festive season starts with proactive occupational health

Through effective drug and alcohol testing, comprehensive training and consultancy, and a commitment to wellbeing and mental health, organisations can safeguard their workforce and maintain a safe, compliant working environment.

At Express Medicals, we are experts in drug and alcohol testing and deliver the highest standard of workplace drug and alcohol training for safety-critical industries. Our courses equip managers with an understanding of the potentially damaging issues of substance misuse in the workplace, to help them identify usage by individuals and to provide support in managing the repercussions.

If you would like support implementing a festive-period testing strategy or updating your substance misuse policy, get in touch to see how we can help provide the expertise your business needs.