DryOutNow.com can is the leading online provider of free medical information about alcoholism and alcohol addiction issues.

We provide alcohol services for people with alcohol problems, their friends and their relatives. All advice is free of charge and given by qualified professionals in alcohol treatment.

You can receive independent, expert advice on alcohol rehabilitation and treatment by telephoning DryOutNow.com on 0845 003 8274

New legislation that has come into effect this month will introduce tougher penalties on businesses that breach health and safety regulations. According to Concateno, Europe's leading drug testing company, the new legislation adds a further incentive to businesses considering the introduction of an effective anti-drugs policies and drug testing in the workplace.

The Health and Safety Offences Act 2008, which was announced last October and came into effect on January 16th 2009, provides courts with increased sentencing powers that could include prison sentences for individuals found responsible for health and safety breaches and increase the maximum fines for offences.

Neil James, head of sales for Concateno's workplace division said: "Alongside the tougher legislation for corporate manslaughter that has been introduced in recent years, the new Act makes it vital for companies to manage down risks in their businesses, and also to demonstrate that they have undertaken due diligence to indentify and prevent causes of accidents."

He added: "Employee drug misuse can be a contributory cause of accidents at work and a company's management could potentially be held responsible if they haven't taken sufficient action. Businesses have the ability and responsibility to proactively address this situation."

To be effective, a company's drug and alcohol policy needs to include deterrents against the inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol - through education; Employee Assistance Programmes that help employee address their drugs problems through appropriate support and treatment; and through testing, whether pre-employment, at random, or following incidents.

Article published on 05/01/2009 by DryOutNow.com

DryOutNow.com provides highly practical help for people with alcohol problems, their friends and relatives. If you are a professional in need of help for yourself or for others, DryOutNow.com will deal with your request with sensitivity whilst formulating a care plan taking into account your special circumstances.

• Pablo and FRANK - the new cocaine campaign ...... read
• Cannabis upgraded to Class B drug ...... read
• DrugScope welcomes report on 'neglected issue' of prescription and over-the-counter medication depen ...... read
• Tougher health and safety law demands tougher drugs policies, says drug testing company ...... read
• Time's up for irresponsible drink deals ...... read
• More action needed to tackle alcohol misuse, says BMA ...... read
• New report reveals that five million people participate in self help groups each year ...... read
• Make Scotlands roads safer, reduce drink driving limits, says BMA Scotland ...... read
• Study will seek to break cycle of chemical dependence and incarceration ...... read
• More advice on alcohol and healthy living from UK Department of Health ...... read
• Working towards recovery, Getting problem drug users into jobs, UKDPC report released ...... read
• More support needed for employers to hire addicts, says research ...... read
• Study shows link between number of alcohol retailers and youth injuries ...... read
• European project to study relationship between ADHD and substance abuse ...... read
• Two few treatments centres says former government adviser ...... read
• BMA Scotland recently published an action plan to tackle alcohol misuse ...... read
• WHO to hold public hearing on ways of reducing the harmful use of alcohol ...... read
• Public policy measures on alcohol price and availability would be more effective than clinical treat ...... read
• Licensing act could be affecting alcohol-related hospital admissions ...... read
• Free public lecture on teenage drug abuse in Northern Ireland ...... read

• Technology improves treatment options for drug users ...... read
• Department promoting early substance use screening process ...... read
• Alcohol tax increases deter drinking ...... read
• DrugScope welcomes report on 'neglected issue' of prescription and over-the-counter medication depen ...... read
• DrugScope responds to NTA figures on young people in treatment for substance misuse ...... read