The latest Operation Limit campaign has laid bare a reality that should concern everyone in the construction industry. Between December 2024 and January 2025, police forces across the UK carried out more than 58,000 roadside tests. Over 8,600 arrests were made for drink and drug driving offences. Of those tested for drugs, a staggering 42% returned a positive result.
Many who were caught drug driving, were driving to or for work, highlighting that this is not just a weekend or road safety issue – it’s a daily workplace issue that the construction sector cannot afford to overlook.
It Only Takes One: Why Impairment Can’t Be Ignored
It’s not just the commute that’s in danger. If someone shows up to work under the influence of drugs, they put lives at risk. Construction sites are already among the most dangerous workplaces, where concentration, communication, and coordination are critical. With heavy machinery, work at height, and crowded sites, there is no room for mistakes.
If just one person on site is under the influence of drugs, the risks are serious. It’s not just their own safety that’s at stake — it’s the safety of everyone around them, from fellow workers to members of the public. Still, too many construction businesses operate on the assumption that it won’t happen to them. That kind of thinking is no longer good enough.
When nearly half of roadside drug tests are returning positive results, the question is not if drugs are making their way onto construction sites — it’s how many people are slipping through the net.
Employers Are Responsible — Legally and Morally
Every construction employer has a legal duty to provide a safe working environment under the Health and Safety at Work Act. But beyond the legislation, there’s a moral obligation to protect workers from harm — including harm caused by impaired judgement or slowed reaction times due to drug use.
Ignoring the issue doesn’t make it go away. In fact, failing to address drug misuse in the workplace can expose employers to serious legal consequences in the event of an incident. More than that, it can damage a firm’s reputation, undermine trust with clients, and impact future contracts.
That’s why many construction companies are now treating workplace drug testing as a routine part of doing business — just like wearing PPE or carrying out a site induction.
Testing That’s Practical, Fair, and Proven
D.tec International supplies all 43 UK police forces with roadside drug testing equipment as well as hundreds of safety conscious businesses – many of which operate within the construction industry. Our DrugWipe system is fast, accurate, and easy to use — the same technology trusted by officers on the roadside is available for use on construction sites and in your offices.
We can help you implement a robust testing programme that’s:
- Proportionate to your business
- Supportive of a safety-first culture
- Compliant with employment law
- Practical for real-world working environments
We provide tailored screening solutions for pre-employment checks, random testing, post-incident procedures, and support for your HR and safety teams. Our focus is prevention and protection — not punishment.
Changing the Culture
Dealing with drug use in the workplace isn’t just about having the right policies in place — it’s about building the right culture. One where people take ownership of their behaviour, where looking out for colleagues is second nature, and where safety underpins everything.
By facing this issue head-on, you can send a clear and confident message: that safety matters, that standards will be upheld, and that every individual has a part to play in keeping your workplace safe.
Get Ahead of the Problem
The data is clear. The risks are real. And the responsibility lies with all of us to act.
If you’re ready to put the safety of your workforce first and protect your business from unnecessary risk, talk to D.tec today.
Tel: 0800 371898
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.dtecinternational.com