Imagine this: You arrive at work on a Monday morning, feeling refreshed after a weekend spent indulging in your grandmother’s famous basil pesto. Later, you’re ushered into a room, breathalyser at the ready, accused of being under the influence. Sounds ridiculous, right?

For some employees, zero-tolerance alcohol policies have become a source of confusion and even fear. Rumours abound – a cough syrup swig can land you in hot water, and a single beer the night before spells disciplinary action. These misconceptions create a murky grey area, leaving employees unsure of what constitutes acceptable behaviour. However, the reality is far less “Big Brother” than you might think.

Here’s the truth about zero-tolerance policies and how they can actually protect both employers and employees.

The myth of mouthwash mishaps

Let’s address the elephant in the room (and in the medicine cupboard) – cough syrup and mouthwash. While these products do contain small amounts of alcohol, they’re unlikely to trigger a positive test. Breathalysers measure deep lung air, not the fleeting alcohol vapours in the mouth from mouthwash or cough syrup. While it is possible for these substances to result in positive tests on a breathalyser, it is only for a very short time after they have been consumed. Because alcohol evaporates, the positive tests resulting from these substances will disappear after just 4 to 5 minutes. A well-drafted policy will address this concern. It’ll outline a clear procedure for retesting after a short period to ensure any mouth alcohol has dissipated. This eliminates the risk of a false positive and protects employees from unfair accusations.

The night before blues meets moderation

Another common fear is the ghost of last night’s drinks haunting you at work. While excessive late-night indulgence can carry over, a moderate amount of alcohol is processed by your liver at a predictable rate – roughly one drink per hour, the equivalent of one 330ml beer at 5% alcohol. So, enjoy that evening beer responsibly, and by morning, your system will likely be clear. The key is understanding how your body works and making responsible choices. Generally, one beer would take an hour to metabolise, and five beers would need at least five hours to metabolise.

It’s also important to know that cheating the system is the biggest myth of all. Forget the desperate tactics like downing gallons of water or masking the smell with mints. Breathalysers don’t rely on odour; they detect the presence of alcohol in your breath – a byproduct of the evaporating effect of alcohol into the air when blood circulating in your body enters the lungs. So, avoid the embarrassment and potential disciplinary action and focus on responsible consumption instead.

The bigger picture beyond breathalysers

While these myths create confusion, zero-tolerance policies exist for a reason: to maintain a safe working environment for everyone. Imagine a scenario where heavy machinery or critical tasks are involved. Even a slight impairment can have disastrous consequences.

As such, zero-tolerance isn’t just about breathalysers and trying to stop people from having a good time.  It’s about creating a safe and productive work environment. This starts with a comprehensive policy that clearly defines “zero tolerance.” Does it mean any trace of alcohol or exceeding a specific limit? The answer will depend on the company, industry, and job description. In addition to offering education and support, the policy must clearly communicate testing procedures and the consequences of a positive test result.

Seeing the benefits of a clear policy

The potential consequences for companies with poorly crafted policies are significant. Losing a case at the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration) could result in hefty fines, compensation for the wrongly accused employee, and even reinstatement.

By dispelling myths and fostering clear communication, a well-designed policy benefits everyone. Employees know what’s expected of them, and employers can ensure a safe work environment without creating unnecessary fear. So, the next time you hear whispers about cough syrup and breathalysers, remember – knowledge is power. By understanding the reality behind zero-tolerance policies, you can navigate the workplace with confidence and a clear conscience (and maybe even a hint of basil!).

So, what can you do as an employee?

Familiarise yourself with your company’s alcohol policy and testing procedures. If you are unsure about any medication, consult a healthcare provider or your line manager. If you experience a false positive due to mouth alcohol, calmly explain the situation and follow the testing protocol.

The key to a successful zero-tolerance policy lies in clear communication, fair testing procedures, and employee training. By addressing myths and fostering transparency, companies can ensure a safe work environment without creating unnecessary paranoia among employees. Remember, responsible behaviour and well-defined policies go hand-in-hand to keep everyone safe and productive.

By Rhys Evans, Managing Director at ALCO-Safe