NETWORK RAIL – DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING CHANGES

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular NP/030/25

25^th January 2025

To: The Secretary

ALL BRANCHES

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

NETWORK RAIL – DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING CHANGES

 

The main area of change is that having gained a non-negative result, now there is a more robust risk assessment that is driven by the Standard where there are a number of things that the individual will not be able to undertake whilst waiting for the final result i.e. driving a vehicle or safety critical duties. 

 

I believe this to be a more robust measure to protect members from the productivity over safety aspect.

 

Whilst still not being fully perfect, this new version gives our members more protection than what the previous version did, and the new proposed risk assessment cannot be clearer.

 

The consensus amongst your lead safety representatives was to broadly support the changes made by the review, and it was generally accepted that this was not a new policy but just changes to enhance the policy and strengthen the non-negative procedure and risk assessment which better protects members; it also endeavours to clarify a couple of other things within the policy.

 

At its meeting on 13^th February your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety subcommittee:

 

We note the report from our lead reps and that they are broadly content with the company’s proposed changes to the policy.

 

The General Secretary is instructed to write to the company noting the proposed changes and posing any questions raised by our lead safety representatives.

 

Branches and regional councils to be informed.

 

I am acting in line with these instructions. 

            

Please bring this circular to the attention of relevant members.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary