Alcohol at work, what can the occupational physician do?

Françoise Verstraete Published in the journal : December 2018 Category : Médecine du travail

In Belgium, drug and alcohol consumption at the workplace is regulated by a Collective Labor Agreement called CCT 100. In theory, all employers are required to assume a preventive policy concerning this issue. Yet, in the field, employers sometimes call on occupational physician as a matter of urgency, distraught by one of their employee’s excessive alcohol consumption. During the medical consultation, the occupational physician should attempt to provide preventive information and guidance to the employee or, in case of highrisk activity, to assess the employee’s ability to perform the specific duties. The role of the occupational physician is strictly regulated by labor legislation, although he is invited to collaborate with all medical stakeholders, while observing professional secrecy. This article presents a few practical cases that precisely outline the role of the occupational physician as regards to alcohol consumption at work.

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