WITH the introduction of 24-hour drinking, companies are being urged to beware of their employees driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

The Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents has issued new guidelines to address the problem, particularly among those who drive as part of their job.

RoSPA says all businesses and organisations employing people who drive for work purposes must confront the issue as part of their duties under health and safety law. Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: "With the advent of 24-hour licensing, there are serious worries that people will still be over the limit the morning after, particularly around Christmas and New Year. But it is not just a seasonal subject, it is something employers need to address all year round.

"Driving is the most dangerous work activity that most people do. Drink-drive deaths are at their highest since 1992 and there are growing fears about drug-related accidents. Employers cannot ignore these subjects.

"They need to ensure staff are fully consulted about policies on alcohol, drugs and safe driving.

"All staff, including managers, must understand that they must not drive for work if their ability to do so is affected by alcohol, drugs or medicines. Doing so should be a serious disciplinary matter."

RoSPA's document Driv-ing For Work: Drink And Drugs is backed by the Department For Transport and includes a sample policy to help bosses tackle the problem. It covers topics such as raising awareness, screening, and notifying employers about drink or drug-related accidents.

Copies are being sent to employers throughout Bri-tain and can be downloaded from: http://www.rospa.com /roadsafety.

/resources/employers.htm

RoSPA offers courses to explain driver impairment in more detail, including sessions on understanding alcohol units and the impact of alcohol the next day.

The Department for Transport has also supported the Society in producing a document to help employers with policies to cover employees who use their own vehicles for work. Employers owe the same duty of care under health and safety law to staff who drive their own vehicles for work as they do to employees who drive company-owned, leased or hired vehicles. They still need to check if those vehicles are fit for work purposes and are safe and properly maintained.