Tests for alcohol/banned substances on the network
Request ID: FOI-1780-2324 Date published: 20 September 2023
You asked
We have seen reports that TfL staff are randomly tested for alcohol and other drugs on the job.
Please could you clarify if this is true? If so, please could you provide how many tests have been conducted in the last five years, and how many of these saw a positive result for alcohol, drugs, or other banned substances?
Please could you name the substances and specify where the member of staff worked on the network (eg London Underground - the line/station specified if possible), and their job role (eg driver, station staff)?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1780-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 28 August 2023, asking for information about alcohol and drug testing.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
TfL is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
The safety of employees and customers is of paramount importance. A major factor in this respect is the ability of those who work for us to carry out their jobs safely, effectively and to the best of their ability. Therefore TfL operates a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and/or drug use to minimise any safety risks to customers and its employees. Standards have been set for employees detailing the requirements and responsibilities regarding alcohol and/or drugs, to ensure that their work performance is not affected in any way by their consumption. Any employee who is taking medication has a responsibility under the company's Drugs and Work Standard to check with their doctor (or other medical practitioner); dentist or pharmacist if the medication they are taking could reduce vigilance or adversely affect their work performance.
TfL is committed to supporting employees who come forward to the Drugs and Alcohol Assessment Treatment Service (DAATS) or to their line manager with an alcohol and/or drugs related problem. DAATS was established to provide assistance for employees who are experiencing problems with alcohol and/or drugs with the aim of returning them safely back to the workplace, while ensuring they do not pose a risk to the safe operation of the transport network. When an alcohol and/or drug use problem occurs, employees will be given reasonable support and advice in dealing with the problem. If an employee fails to inform DAATS or their line manager before a breach of this policy, TfL is unlikely to afford any additional support and appropriate action will be taken through the disciplinary procedure.
You specifically asked:
We have seen reports that TfL staff are randomly tested for alcohol and other drugs on the job.
Random testing is in line with the Rail Safety & Standard Board (RSSB) guidance and applies to safety critical operational employees. The latest guidance is attached for your perusal.
Please could you clarify if this is true? If so, please could you provide how many tests have been conducted in the last five years, and how many of these saw a positive result for alcohol, drugs, or other banned substances?
The below table shows the number of unannounced tests carried out in the past five years. The data supplied is for TfL employees only.
Testing Year
Testing Figure
Drugs
Alcohol
2018 – 2019
723
11
1
2019 – 2020
823
8
0
2020 – 2021
812
7
0
2021 – 2022
812
5
1
2022 – 2023
828
7
0
2023 – YTD
357 (YTD)
1
0
Total
3998
39
2
If a positive result is received, the employee is stood down from working in any safety critical role by their line manager. A Medical Review (MRO) appointment is arranged for the employee to see the Doctor at TfL’s Occupational Health and the employee is suspended with full pay. A fact finding investigation is then carried out and a company disciplinary interview will be determined.
Unannounced testing can be carried out at any time including nights and weekends, and staff can be called to attend testing once selected from random staff list, which is computer generated.
Please could you name the substances and specify where the member of staff worked on the network (eg London Underground - the line/station specified if possible), and their job role (eg driver, station staff)?
In accordance with TfL’s obligations under Data Protection legislation, we cannot share this additional information, on the basis that it constitutes the individuals’ personal data that would be unfair to release, as required by section 40(2) of the FOI Act.
This is because disclosure of this personal data would be a breach of the legislation, specifically the first principle which requires all processing of personal data to be fair and lawful. It would not be fair to disclose this personal information when the individuals have no expectation it would be disclosed and TfL has not satisfied one of the conditions which would make the processing ‘fair’.
This exemption to the right of access to information is an absolute exemption and not subject to an assessment of whether the public interest favours use of the exemption.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
