Racoo Screening - Drug, alcohol & DNA Tests
Truck and HGV driver drug & alcohol testing2023-11-15T14:42:00+00:00

Truck and HGV driver drug & alcohol testing

Ensure the safety of your fleet and other road users with tailored truck driver drug and alcohol testing.

500

commercial truck accidents happen each year due to alcohol intoxication [1].

Driving for a living involves working long, unsociable hours, operating heavy vehicles for long hours and working in all weather conditions, all of which can be challenging.

On top of this, substance abuse among truck & HGV drivers, crane operators, bin lorry drivers, aggregate lorries or council and municipal services can lead to impaired judgement, slower reaction times, and increased risk of accidents [2].

This can result in:

  • Increased risk of accidents: Substance abuse can lead to damage to your organisation’s vehicles, cargo, and reputation as your drivers make the roads less safe [2].
  • Decreased productivity: Illicit substance abuse can lead to absenteeism, poor performance, and decreased productivity, causing delays in delivery times, missed deadlines, and decreased client satisfaction [3].
  • Legal and financial consequences: Your organisation may face fines, legal fees, and compensation claims, ultimately losing business, if an employee is found to be abusing substances at work [4].

Whether you’re in HR management or fleet administration, using Racoo’s expertise in HGV driver drug and alcohol testing helps you address issues before they escalate.

Speak To Our Experts. Call +44 01793 677480 or Request A Quote

Implement truck driver drug testing to ensure a safe and compliant driving environment

Promote safe roads

Random drug tests can deter HGV drivers from substance abuse, potentially reducing the risk of road incidents. Testing supports the wellbeing of your drivers and other road user

Maintain your company’s reputation

Regular screening can ensure your drivers are fit for duty, upholding your company’s reputation in the haulage sector.

drug alcohol screening services

Adhere to regulations

Our fully managed drug and alcohol testing service aligns with industry standards, ensuring you meet legal requirements without the hassle.

Speak To Our Experts. Call +44 01793 677480 or Request A Quote

How can truck driver testing benefit your haulage company?

Truck & HGV drivers using public roads must follow the same laws as car drivers.

According to the UK government, it’s illegal for your drivers to be behind the wheel if [5]:

  • They’re unfit to do so because they’re on legal or illegal drugs
  • They have certain levels of illegal drugs in their blood (even if they don’t affect their driving)
  • They’re taking legal drugs, including prescription medications, that impair driving. These include:
    • amphetamine, for example, dexamphetamine or selegiline
    • clonazepam
    • diazepam
    • flunitrazepam
    • lorazepam
    • methadone
    • morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, for example, codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
    • oxazepam
    • Temazepam

If convicted of drug driving, drivers may face a minimum 1-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and a criminal record [REF5], which can harm their future career prospects and your organisation’s staffing levels.

Fully managed service: Let us handle the testing procedures, so you can focus on core operations.

Customised to your needs: We offer solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the logistics sector.

Legal and ethical testing: Ensure health and safety at work while adhering to data protection and other legal standards.

Speak To Our Experts. Call +44 01793 677480 or Request A Quote

Get your policy reviewed

Get expert HGV substance screening for your haulage company.

Get a free policy review today.

Random drug & alcohol testing

Why Racoo?

Tailored solutions

Racoo offers bespoke drug and alcohol testing solutions tailored for the haulage sector, ensuring your drivers and other road users remain safe.

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Over 20 years of experience

With decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges of the haulage sector and offer solutions that uphold safety critical standards such as ISO 17025 and ISO 9001.

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Accredited compliance with your sector’s standards

Our testing adheres to standards set by the European Workplace Drug Testing Society. Our partner labs are accredited by The United Kingdom Accreditation Service and The British Standards Institution, ensuring reliable and compliant testing.

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Speak To Our Experts. Call +44 01793 677480 or Request A Quote

FAQs

About drug testing in the haulage sector

Do HGV drivers get drug tested?2023-10-27T10:48:22+01:00

Yes, HGV drivers in the UK can be subjected to drug testing [6]. Employers often conduct these tests to ensure the safety of their drivers and other road users. The police have the authority to conduct roadside drug tests on any driver, including HGV drivers, if they suspect drug use.

How often do HGV drivers get drug tested?2023-10-27T10:49:33+01:00

The frequency of drug testing for HGV drivers varies depending on your organisation’s policy and the specific circumstances. Some employers may conduct random drug tests periodically, while others might test based on suspicion, post-accident, or as part of routine medical checks. When applying for or renewing an HGV licence (once every 5 years if you’re over 65 [7]), drivers undergo a medical exam which may include checks for signs of drug or alcohol misuse.

Who could be drug and alcohol tested?

Any driver operating a vehicle either at work or in public space could be drug and alcohol tested. This includes people like:

  • Truck & HGV drivers
  • Crane operators
  • Waste disposal drivers
  • Council contractors (For example, Bristol council has strict drug & alcohol policies)
  • Aggregate lorries
What type of testing?2023-10-27T10:50:08+01:00

Many employers opt for random drug tests or post-accident testing. Since 2015, police use “drugalysers” for roadside checks [8]. If suspicions arise, further tests at the police station using blood or urine can be conducted. We recommend hair strand testing for employers. It’s highly accurate, detects a wide range of substances, and can identify drug and alcohol use from the past seven days to six months.

How frequently should we conduct random drug tests?2023-10-27T10:50:38+01:00

The frequency of testing depends on company policy and risk assessment. Regular, unannounced tests can act as a deterrent.

What percentage of our drivers should be tested each time?2023-10-27T10:51:59+01:00

Testing a significant percentage, if not all, drivers ensures fairness and thoroughness.

When applying for or renewing an HGV licence, what medical checks are involved?2023-10-27T10:52:33+01:00

During the HGV licence medical exam, doctors look for signs of drug or alcohol misuse. Licences may be refused if applicants don’t meet the medical guidelines for alcohol or drug misuse in the past year or dependence in the last three years.

How do we handle a driver who tests positive for drugs or alcohol?2023-10-27T10:53:15+01:00

A driver testing positive should be suspended immediately and not return to work until due process has been completed. The return to duty process involves counselling, further testing, and a comprehensive review to ensure the driver is fit for the road [9].

What happens to our insurance if a driver tests positive or is involved in an accident while under the influence?2023-10-27T10:54:12+01:00

A positive test or an accident due to substance misuse can lead to increased insurance premiums, potential legal liabilities, and reputational damage for the company. It’s crucial to have clear policies and procedures in place to manage such situations.

Can we implement pre-employment drug and alcohol screening for new hires?2023-10-27T10:55:49+01:00

Yes, pre-employment screening is a proactive step to ensure new hires meet the company’s safety standards. It’s essential to inform candidates about this requirement during the recruitment process.

How can we educate and raise awareness among our drivers about the risks of drug and alcohol misuse, and the importance of testing?2023-10-27T10:58:40+01:00

Regular training sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns can be conducted. Providing resources, helplines, and support can also help drivers understand the risks and importance of staying substance-free.

How can we align our drug and alcohol testing policies with local government regulations and standards?2023-10-27T10:59:14+01:00

Regularly review local government regulations and consult with legal experts to ensure your policies are compliant. Engage with industry bodies and associations for guidance and best practices.

What resources or support systems are available for drivers?2023-10-27T10:59:44+01:00

Drivers can access NHS services, local addiction centres, and helplines like FRANK where they can talk to substance abuse professionals. The council can facilitate by providing information, hosting awareness sessions, and partnering with local rehabilitation centres for direct referrals.

RESOURCES

Learn more about drug and alcohol testing in the haulage sector

drug alcohol policy

5 REASONS TO IMPLEMENT A WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING FOR THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

DRUG DETECTION WINDOWS: A GUIDE

HOW TO DEAL WITH AN EMPLOYEE DRINKING AT WORK

Ensure the safety of your fleet with Racoo’s HGV driver drug and alcohol testing.
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