Impairment at work remains a significant safety risk across construction and infrastructure projects. Whether caused by drugs, alcohol or medication, any reduction in alertness, reaction time or judgement can increase the likelihood of incidents on site.
To address this, Richard Wheeler, our SHE Director decided to launch a 2026 Drugs, Alcohol & Medication Safety Campaign, focused on raising awareness and reinforcing clear, practical expectations around being fit for work.
The campaign is designed to support both workers and clients in maintaining safe working environments.
Understanding the risk of impairment
Impairment at work is a safety issue, regardless of the source.
Construction environments rely on individuals being alert, coordinated and able to make sound decisions. Even small changes in awareness or reaction time can lead to mistakes, particularly during high-risk activities such as operating machinery or working at height.
By focusing on awareness and clear expectations, the campaign aims to reduce risk across all sites and projects.
Including medication in the conversation
A key focus Richard wanted from this campaign is to ensure that medication is treated as part of the wider safety discussion. Often this element gets missed yet can cause as many hazards on site when taking prescribed medication or over the counter medication.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect how individuals think, react and respond. This means they must be considered alongside drugs and alcohol when assessing fitness for work.
Workers are encouraged to:
- Check guidance when taking medication
- Seek advice from a pharmacist or GP if unsure
- Declare any medication that may affect safe working before attending site
Where medication guidance advises against driving or operating machinery, this must be treated as a clear indicator that it may not be safe to work.
Clear expectations on site
The campaign reinforces straightforward expectations for all workers:
- Do not attend site under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication that affects safe working
- Allow enough time to fully recover before returning to work
- Arrive rested, alert and able to carry out tasks safely
If there is any doubt about fitness for work, individuals are advised not to attend site and to speak to their line manager or VGC contact first.
The focus is not on policing behaviour outside of work, but on ensuring that everyone on site is able to work safely.
Recognising when someone may not be fit for work
Understanding the signs of impairment is an important part of maintaining a safe environment.
Indicators may include:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Uncoordinated movement
- Slow reactions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Struggling to communicate clearly
Early recognition and action can help prevent incidents and protect everyone on site.
Reinforcing a ‘See it, Share it’ culture
VGC continues to promote its ‘See it, Share it’ approach, encouraging workers to raise concerns about safety early.
If someone may not be fit for work, concerns should be raised with a supervisor or VGC contact as early as possible. Reporting should be handled discreetly and based on what you’ve observed.
Concerns can be reported through project systems or directly via: besafe@vgcgroup.co.uk
Encouraging open communication helps ensure that issues are addressed before they lead to harm.
Supporting safer working environments
The campaign highlights the shared responsibility for maintaining safe standards on site:
Workers
- Attend work fit, alert and able to work safely
- Declare medication where it may affect safe working
- Speak up about concerns or unsafe conditions
Supervisors & clients
- Reinforce clear expectations around fitness for work
- Act on concerns raised about impairment
- Promote a culture where people feel confident to speak up
VGC understands that ongoing dependence on alcohol, drugs or medication is a health issue that may require support. Employees who come forward and seek help will be offered confidential guidance and appropriate support.
For more information about VGC’s approach to health and safety, or to raise a concern, contact: besafe@vgcgroup.co.uk
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