RTS | Which company testing is right for me?
RTS | Which company testing is right for me?
04 October 2019
Which company testing method is right for me?
Implementation of an effective substance misuse policy establishes employer rights to conduct workplace drug and alcohol testing if required. In addition, it ensures adherence to the duty of care of an employer to protect their workforce and keep employees safe. There are a range of approaches available to complement your policy to ensure a safer working environment. In this blog we take a look at two common types of testing; random testing and with-cause testing.
Random Testing
With knowledge that a test could be conducted with anyone at any time, random testing is the most effective deterrent of drug abuse or alcohol misuse among employees. Ensuring the integrity of staff across all levels, random testing can be conducted with employees at any level, from temporary employees to managers and directors.
Process
The process includes ensuring a clear workplace drug and alcohol testing policy is in place. Employees should also be made aware that random drug and alcohol testing is carried out; this can take the form of a clear statement in an employee’s contract outlining that random testing can be conducted with little to no notice. Notification of this conforms to legislation whilst respecting employee rights.
Secondly, we will work with you to determine the percentage of your workforce you would like to test, and how often you would like testing to be carried out. Whilst we recommend random drug and alcohol testing should be performed at least quarterly, the decision is yours. To avoid employee discrimination and to ensure testing is random, we use our random selection technology to eliminate bias and provide accurate random selections.
Finally, we will arrive to your workplace unannounced to carry out sample collections from the random selection of employees.
Key Benefits
By implementing a random drug testing may help employers by:
- Deterring current employees from engaging in drug use
- Preventing the need for substance abuse recovery programs
- Employees are less likely to tactfully try to disguise results, or alter their habits, as they will be given little to no notice that a test is going to be conducted
- Improving attendance and employee productivity
- Providing a safer workplace with reduced accidents
With-Cause Testing
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), if an employer suspects an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are legally required to take appropriate action to protect the safety of the employee concerned, other members of staff and the public.
Process
The nature of with-cause testing means that testing can be required ‘on-the-spot’. At Randox Testing Services, we offer a 24-hour call-out service which guarantees an experienced collection officer will arrive to your company within a maximum of 2 hours to perform a sample collection. This service is available 24/7, 365 days a year and complies fully with chain of custody procedures.
Benefits
- Legal compliance with correct measurements being taken if an employee is suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Can deter employee misuse of drugs or alcohol due to a workplace testing policy being in place
- Cost savings because of increased productivity with issues being discovered and rectified early
How Randox Testing Services can help
At Randox Testing Services we possess a wealth of experience and knowledge that enables us to offer holistic packages to meet the needs of the customer, regardless of their location or industry. This knowledge comes from over 35 years of testing experience in the diagnostics industry and through our involvement with bodies that help shape testing legislation.
For more information about our range of drug & alcohol testing products, our expertise in this industry and our array of support services, visit www.randoxtestingservices.com.
If you would like to speak with one of our experts, use any of the following methods:
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
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The world’s most comprehensive health checks from Randox Health
01 October 2019
Randox Health Checks
Do you know about our world-leading health checks?
Randox Health provides the world’s most comprehensive full-body health screen packages available. Our patented technology enables 100’s of individual tests to be carried out from your sample, giving you truly unrivalled knowledge about your health now and in the future.
Identifying the very first signs and risks of disease could help prevent many health problems, before the appearance of unpleasant symptoms or illness. We can provide an extensive test menu with our health care due to the high performance diagnostic tests that we run.
Randox Health do this by detecting small changes in your blood. Early identification, paired with expert advice, provides the potential to prevent health problems developing.
Randox Health complete more tests in each health check than anyone else. With up to 350 results in each health check, you’ll get the most comprehensive understanding of your health available – including your heart, hormonal, lungs, digestive system and more.
The Randox Health process couldn’t be simpler.
When booking an appointment at one of our clinics the process couldn’t be simpler.
- Book your appointment – Online, via our app or on the phone, you can book an appointment with our health experts at one of the clinic locations or alternatively book an “on the move” appointment and we will come to you.
- Clinic appointment – this will last no longer than 30mins, involving a review of your details, bio-measurements and sample collection.
- Scientific Analysis – all of your samples collected are analysed quickly by our Bio-Medical Scientists, using the latest Randox patent technology, which generates a vast amount of data about your current and future health.
- Results and Consultation – You will receive a detailed report in the post and via our app containing a clear explanation of your results. We will then invite you for a consultation with one of our Health Experts to discuss your report in full. This is all included in your package.
- Repeat appointment – We want you to continue to monitor your health status based on our results, so you will be invited back for a retest as part of your initial package which will ensure the corrections we have suggested are having a positive effect.
The vision of Randox is one of ambition, innnovation and commitment to improving health worldwide.
To book an appointment, email info@randoxhealth.com or phone 0800 2545 130.
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World Heart Day from Randox Biosciences
29 September 2019
World Heart Day 2019
The World Heart Federation (WHF) is the acting global voice in leading the universal fight against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Part of the WHF mission is to ensure heart health equity for everyone. They believe everybody is entitled to cardiovascular health and well-being through health promotion, access to prevention, control and management of CVD 1.
World Heart Day falls on the 29th September where people make a promise to promote and implement healthier lifestyles to maintain a happy and healthy heart, reducing the potential risks of heart disease and stroke. CVD takes the lead being the number one cause of death world-wide 2 relating to all heart and circulatory diseases consisting of coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease, hypertension, stroke and vascular dementia 3.
According to the World Health Organisation2:
- An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVD in 2016, representing 31% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.
- Out of the 17 million premature deaths (under the age of 70) due to noncommunicable diseases in 2015, 82% were in low- and middle-income countries, and 37% were caused by CVD.
- Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and alcohol abuse.
Cytokines have a central role within the immune system; they are a category of signalling molecules that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation and hematopoiesis 4. Cytokine and inflammatory mechanisms have major implications for the vascular system and can lead to CVD.
Cytokines exist in broad families that are structurally related but exhibit diverse function. The major classes of cytokines include: pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, cytokines of neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment and activation, cytokines derived from T-helper (Th) and T-regulatory (Tregs) cells, and cytokines of T-cell recruitment and growth factors. 5
Randox offers a comprehensive menu of 26 cytokine, cytokine receptors and growth factors over four multi-analyte arrays. Each cytokine assay is performed on biochip array technology with spatially discrete test regions containing antibodies specific to each of the analytes. The combination of highly specific antibodies and advanced chemistries enables up to 12 cytokines and growth factors to be detected simultaneously in a single sample.
Cytokine Array I Cytokine Array III
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) – Granulocyte Macrophage Colony Stimulating
- Interferon-y – Interleukin-5
- Interleukin-1a – Interleukin-15
- Interleukin-1b – Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1a
- Interleukin-2
- Interleukin-4
- Interleukin-6
- Interleukin-8
- Interleukin-10
- Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1
- Tumour Necrosis Factor-a
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Cytokine Array IV Cytokine Array V
- Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 – Interleukin-3
- Soluble IL-2 Receptor a – Interleukin-7
- Soluble IL-6 Receptor – Interleukin-13
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor I – Interleukin-12 p70
- Soluble Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor II – Interleukin-23
Key Benefits of Randox Cytokine Arrays:
- Multiplex testing from a single sample.
- Suitable for human serum and plasma samples.
- Small sample volume required.
- Excellent analytical performance.
- Fast throughput.
- Applicable to fully automated and semi-automated Evidence analysers.
Randox manufacture the majority of assay raw materials in-house and can therefore take a more tailored approach, by adapting assays to the needs of your research project to best fit your individual requirements.
- https://www.world-heart-federation.org/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)
- https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiovascular-disease
- https://www.sinobiological.com/cytokine-rerview-receptor-source-targets-main-function-disease-association-a-1310.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/cytokines
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Randox Potato Festival will celebrate the Mighty Spud at the Giant’s Causeway
Randox Potato Festival will celebrate the Mighty Spud at the Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 5th October 2019, boosted once more by the continued partnership with headline sponsor Randox.
Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens.
Now in its sixth year, the line-up for the free event, which runs from 10am – 5pm in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel, boasts a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages, including the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market and Food NI Cookery Theatre.
Wendy Gallagher, Causeway Coast Foodie Tours and Festival Committee Secretary, said;
“We’re delighted to welcome back the ever-popular Food NI Cookery Theatre to the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, which will feature a selection of talented homegrown chefs including Trudy Brolly of Ocho Tapas Restaurant in Portrush, and Niall McGinn of Dundarave Estate in Bushmills.
“The Potato Festival will also play host to the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a popular collection of award-winning local artisan food, drink, and hand-made arts and crafts.
“And for potato enthusiasts there will be a series of specialist talks on a range of topics including ‘How to breed your own potatoes’ and an exhibition of all John Clarke’s varieties.”
Joining the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a live radio show from Q Radio, which is adding its Broadcast Bus to the eclectic mix of activities on offer, including bouncy castles, a children’s animal farm, The Mighty Spud, and Cutting Edge Helicopters, who will be back in the air again offering spectacular helicopter sightseeing flights (fee applies).*
On the eve of Festival Day a ticketed ‘Super Spud Tour’ to celebrate the area’s unique potato breeding and growing heritage will be held along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, and will include a potato producer tour, themed lunch and an opportunity to enjoy a delicious cocktail featuring Ireland’s first potato-distilled vodka.
And headline sponsor Randox will be inviting visitors to the event to step onboard its Mobile Health Clinic, a bespoke Mercedes Benz vehicle which has taken the company’s revolutionary ‘health MOTs’ on the road.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, said;
“The sponsorship of the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival means a great deal to Randox and we are delighted to be able to bring our Mobile Health Clinic to an event which is so well-known in the area, attracts an impressive number of visitors, from both near and far, and has such a dedicated and enthusiastic committee.
“Just like the festival committee, we at Randox are dedicated to supporting local quality produce, evidenced in our production of meats, jams, chutneys and apple juice straight from Dundarave Estate in Bushmills and CherryValley Estate in Antrim.
“The food and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is among the best in the world and we are pleased to help showcase award-winning local producers on a national platform. The local community has played a significant role in the successes of Randox over the past number of years and we believe it is important to give the same support and encouragement back wherever we can.”
The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival will take place in the front car park of the Causeway Hotel at the Giant’s Causeway, but in the event of inclement weather, will proceed at an alternative location in the hotel grounds.
Festival Committee Chairman Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, said;
“This year the committee has worked tirelessly to bring a bigger and better potato festival to the North Antrim coast on the site of the Giant’s Causeway. We have more fun-filled events planned with loads of arts and crafts on site and fantastic local chefs doing cookery demos. Along with a free open day to the Causeway Centre, it will be a great family day out.”
As well as Randox as the main sponsor, the festival has benefited from financial help from The National Trust, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, NI Regional Food Programme (DAERA), Jamison Potatoes, McCurdy Potatoes, Wilsons Country, Manor Fresh, Active Packaging, First Trust Bank and Food NI.
Mr McKillop continued;
“I would like to extend my thanks to the National Trust for their continued support. Every year the National Trust is a key partner and sponsor for the Potato Festival, not only opening up the Giant’s Causeway site and providing the perfect location but giving their staff to co-ordinate the activities on the day. They also coincide the festival with their free Community Open Day welcoming everyone to enjoy their Visitor Experience and award-winning guided tours for free, providing a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s heritage to local and international visitors while celebrating the legacy of John Clarke.”
*£10 raffle tickets to win a helicopter flight for 3 people, worth £270, can be purchased by contacting the Festival Committee, with the raffle being drawn on Festival Day itself.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
To book a place on the ‘Super Spud Tour’ on Friday 4th October, contact causewayfoodie@gmail.com
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Drug related deaths increase dramatically in Scotland
20 September 2019
Drug related deaths increase dramatically in Scotland
In the past year, Scotland’s drug related deaths have increased dramatically by 27%.
This almost levels the fatality rate per capita with the US. The latest figures showed the majority of fatalities was from the over 35 age group, known as the “Trainspotting generation.”
Westminster currently hold the power on the Misuse of Drugs Act, which Scotland believes should be relaxed as a method of controlling the issue in the country. One of Scotland’s most senior police officers has described the Misuse of Drugs Act as a relic that was “ripe for reform.”
The chair of the Scottish government’s task force on drug deaths, Catriona Matheson believes that treatment challenges should be investigated alongside decriminalisation;
“I understand why decriminalisation grabs most attention, but legislation, criminal justice, healthcare and public attitudes are intertwined”.
There is also a significant increase in the number of fatalities amongst the under 35 age group. These deaths are heavily linked to poly-drug use, including the relatively newly available drug named “street benzodiazepines.”
The lead pharmacist for addiction services at the city’s health and social care partnership, Dr Carole Hunter, said;
“The major problem for Glasgow is heroin and illicit benzos like etizolam or street Valium, which have never been cheaper or more available.”
International trials have shown that medicinal heroin can be an effective treatment for a number of opioid users who do not respond to regular methods of treatment. Hunter proposes opening an enhanced drug treatment centre in Glasgow for this medicinal heroin to be administered under supervision.
Dave Liddell, chief executive of Scottish Drugs Forum stated;
“Neither decriminalisation nor one drug consumption room in Glasgow is going to impact substantially on the death rate. The key focus needs to be on improving our drug treatment and care services. We need to look at access to opioid replacement therapy. Only 40% of people with a drug problem in Scotland are currently in treatment, compared with far higher numbers in England and many countries in England.”
For further information please email info@randoxtoxicology.com or visit www.randoxtoxicology.com
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Metabolic Syndrome Arrays from Randox Biosciences
17 September 2019
Metabolic Syndrome Arrays from Randox Biosciences
Metabolic syndrome is described as a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. As result of three health conditions going on, it puts the individual at greater risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke and many other risks. 1 As well as developing additional health conditions it can cause damage to the blood vessels, the blood pressure damages the blood vessels, the obesity causes a lot of strain on the blood vessels and the heart.2 Therefore, can result in serious long-term risks.
This serious health condition is very common, and studies state that it affects about 23% of adults. 3One in four adults in the UK are currently living with metabolic syndrome and often becomes more common with age2.
Usually it affects those who are overweight or considered obese, have an unbalanced diet containing high levels of sugar and fat and have high cholesterol and extremely high blood pressure2 therefore, the condition can be prevented by reducing the risks.
1 According to the NHS, metabolic syndrome occurs when a person has three or more of the following measurements:
-Abdominal obesity (Waist circumference of greater than 40 inches in men, and greater than 35 inches in women)
-Triglyceride level of 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or greater
– HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women
– Systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater, or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of 85 mm Hg or greater
There are many ways to prevent metabolic syndrome from developing, making lifestyle changes for example, ensuring their weight is healthy by increasing physical exercise, eating a well-balanced healthy diet containing whole grains, fruit, vegetables and fish and finally, visiting the GP to monitor and manage blood glucose, blood cholesterol and blood pressure, quit smoking and managing your stress.
Randox offers the Evidence Evolution including two Metabolic Syndrome Arrays which allows multiplex testing from a single sample allowing rapid turnaround time and are suitable for both serum and plasma samples.
Metabolic Syndrome Array I
- Ferritin
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
- Insulin
- Leptin
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)
- Resistin
Metabolic Syndrome Array II
- Adiponectin
- C-reactive Protein (CRP)
- Cystatin C
For more information on our Evidence Series or Metabolic Syndrome Range of Assays, contact us at EvidenceSeries@randox.com
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/metabolic-syndrome/
- https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/health-wellbeing/conditions/cardiovascular/metabolic-syndrome
- http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome
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New Randox Online Store launched with exclusive offers and discounts
10 September 2019
New Randox Online Store
Randox launches new Online Store with exclusive offers and discounts
Global diagnostics company Randox Laboratories has unveiled a new Online Store aimed at facilitating more convenient and efficient product purchase for its customers.
Selling the firm’s world-renowned Quality Control, Reagents, dedicated RX series kits and consumables online, the website offers customers the opportunity to avail of the most exclusive offers and discounted prices, as well as ‘Last Chance To Buy’ kits not to be found anywhere else.
The development of the store began in late 2018 and was concluded earlier this year.
Lynsey Adams, Randox Quality Control Marketing Manager commented;
“At Randox our clients are always our top priority and as such we are extremely pleased to be able to launch our new online store, facilitating even more convenient and easy-to-use product purchase for our customers.
“Consumer buying habits are ever-changing and it is important that we keep apace to meet customers’ needs and expectations. Being able to order our quality diagnostic products via the simple click of a button will revolutionise the way hospitals, laboratories and veterinary clinics can access the Randox products they require to complete their testing.”
The new Randox Online Store is made up of five sub-sections – Product Catalogue, New Products, Best Sellers, Clearance, and Last Chance To Buy. Customers can therefore now browse directly a range of additional and supplementary diagnostic products including those which have been discounted due to short expiry or discontinuation, and each month, a selection of featured products on special offer in the clearance section.
Lynsey continued;
“The Randox Online Store is a complimentary resource for our Business Development team, who can now offer, in addition to the competitively priced quality control, reagents and Rx series analysers in our testing menu, a discounted selection of surplus stock and discontinued kits that may previously have gone unused.
“Not only is our Online Store improving the customer experience, it is having a significantly positive impact on the environment by reducing waste.”
There is currently a live 20% discount valid on a customer’s first purchase on the Randox Online Store when they sign up to the store’s mailing list.
A simple and efficient checkout process shows the total cost of the order, including shipping costs and VAT, and payments are powered by ‘WorldPay’ which facilitates a wide variety of payment options including PayPal.
To visit the Randox Online Store and view our range of diagnostic products for sale, please visit https://store.randox.com/
For further information please email market@randox.com or contact your Randox Representative.
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Randox Health Grand National bid is Tiger Roll’s main target
06 September 2019
Tiger Roll bids for Randox Health Grand National 2020
Gordon Elliott has confirmed that history-making Randox Health Grand National bid is Tiger Roll’s main target
Tiger Roll will run only twice this season before bidding to become the first horse in history to win the £1-million Randox Health Grand National for a third consecutive year, his trainer Gordon Elliott has revealed.
In April, Tiger Roll emulated the legendary Red Rum to win the world’s greatest steeplechase back to back.
Trainer Gordon Elliott has now confirmed for the first time that the Gigginstown-owned nine-year-old is definitely being aimed at the Aintree showpiece event on Saturday, April 4, 2020, with top jockey Davy Russell named as the man who will partner him again.
However, Tiger Roll will not set foot on a racecourse until the New Year in preparation for his record-breaking attempt, with a bid to win at a fifth Cheltenham Festival also planned.
In an interview with Aintree Racecourse, Gordon Elliott said Tiger Roll has returned to the yard from his summer holiday fit and well.
Elliott said:
“It is great to see him back, doing a bit of work again. He has had a nice couple of months of summer holidays.
“He went back to Gigginstown obviously. He was probably out there and had about 10-12 weeks out on grass. He hasn’t had a saddle on him since Aintree and the National but he has done a few parades and had a few good days out, which is great.
“I have seen him a couple of times during the summer at Gigginstown and he was good and strong, and I have seen him when he was here for a while before he went off to do his flat work and he looked good.
“He will probably do three or four weeks of flat work before he comes back to us in the main yard here.
“Obviously he won’t be that busy this year. We are going to have to mind him now and pick and choose where we go. He will probably have one run over hurdles, maybe something like the Boyne Hurdle (Navan, February) again. He will go back to Cheltenham (March) for the Cross Country race and then we’ll go for the Randox Health Grand National.”
The trainer went on to reveal riding arrangements for this season: “Keith (Donoghue) will ride him in Cheltenham in the Cross Country race and the Boyne Hurdle and then Davy Russell will ride him in the National.”
Elliott was also candid when asked whether he had been tempted to run Tiger Roll in one of the top G1 races of the Jumps calendar.
He said: “People tell me I should be entering him in Stayers’ Hurdles or Gold Cups but I was always taught and I am a big believer in going for the race you think you can win at the Cheltenham Festival and the race I think I can win at the Cheltenham Festival is the Cross Country race, so that’s where he will go. But the number one target this year will be the English National.”
Tiger Roll’s second Randox Health Grand National win in April this year sparked huge interest around Britain and Ireland in the horse, along with a number of public appearances in the weeks which followed.
Elliott admits that he only realised how much his stable superstar meant to people after the race when reading headlines and meeting people.
He explained: “You don’t really realise how much the horse meant to everyone. You see all the kids and all the different people who came to the yard.
“You don’t really appreciate it when you are in the bubble yourself. You don’t realise how much of a thing there is about this horse, you know? It’s only after when you sit back and you watch the videos and read all the paper clippings, people have really got to like him.
“You know, he has got a great name, Tiger Roll, and he’s got a great heart. He has obviously won at four Cheltenham Festivals and to win two Randox Health Grand Nationals has been unbelievable.
“Everyone who comes into the yard, there’s only one horse they want to see and that is Tiger Roll. He’s a people’s horse now and we are very lucky to have him.
“Red Rum was before my time but you’ve seen the videos and heard all about him. He was an amazing horse and to be in the same league as him is unbelievable.”
Ominously for his rivals, Elliott says he thinks Tiger Roll has improved as a horse and, if everything in his preparation goes right, he will have a fantastic chance to make history.
He added: “I suppose last year (2018) we thought he would hose up until the last 50 yards and he just nearly got caught. I was still confident when he had got past the line last year that he had won but, until they call the result, you never know.
“This year was probably easier to watch. He travelled and jumped and did everything right. You know, it’s a funny thing to say but he was arguably a better horse this year than he was last year.
“I think the build up to the English National this season is going to be unbelievable. The hype – people are talking about him already. Whether he wins, loses or draws if he gets back there to have a go at three in a row it’s going to be great. The hype is going to be brilliant.”
If all the preparation has gone well then, come April, all the focus will be on one horse and whether he can write himself into the record books yet again.
His trainer is confident the “people’s horse” will not be worried about the pressure.
Referring to his victory in this year’s Randox Health Grand National, Elliott concluded: “We were very, very happy with the horse, he was in great form and we got him there in great order. If we can get him there in half as good a form next year then he will have a massive chance.
“He knows he’s good, he loves the attention. You just watch him walking round the parade ring before and after races and he knows he is Tiger Roll.”
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Addressing Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace
05 September 2019
Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing
Addressing Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace
Within any business, companies seek to outline clear methods in which employees should act and behave whilst carrying out their roles. These rules are outlined in company workplace policies. Every business – no matter which industry it operates in – should have well-documented and comprehensive workplace policies and procedures in place.
According to the Employment Law Handbook, a workplace policy is a set of rules and principles that aims to provide guidance to managers and workers in how to behave in the workplace. They can be in place for numerous different issues – bullying, harassment, internet use, health and safety are just a few that can be implemented.
Health and Safety
As mentioned above, health and safety is an important aspect of any workplace policy. The health and well-being of the working community is of utmost importance for sustainable development. Specifically, a drug and alcohol policy is a key part of the overall health and safety policy within a company. Alcohol and drugs through their effects on health, safety, work performance and absenteeism can jeopardise productivity, deny businesses the leading edge and curtail competitiveness. Effectively implemented drug and alcohol policies will help employers in the legal duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees.
The need for a Drug and Alcohol Policy
Drugs and alcohol misuse can have dangerous consequences within the workplace. All organisations can benefit from an agreed policy that applies to all staff. There are wide range of statistics available to highlight the worrying impact that drugs and alcohol can have on individuals. In 2016, it was estimated that £7 billion was lost in productivity through unemployment and sickness. Furthermore, 10.8 million adults in England are drinking at levels that pose some risk to their health. A survey carried out by UK based Health and Safety Consultants Protecting.co.uk showed that; from 2,600 workers in office, factory, retail and the public sector, 85% admit to being drunk at work in the last year; not including the Christmas party. 28% of those surveyed admitted using drugs at work, including NPS (formerly legal highs) cannabis and other illegal substances.
From a legal point of view, employers have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of employees. Also, under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, to assess the risks to the health and safety of employees. If an employer knowingly allows an employee under the influence of drug misuse to continue working and his/her behaviour places the employee or others at risk, they may face prosecution.
Advantages of having policies in place
Having well-developed policies and procedures can provide a range of benefits to an organisation. An effectively implemented drug and alcohol policy will ensure a clear understanding within the workplace of the rules relating to drugs and alcohol. It will also provide a greater awareness in workplaces of the effects of drugs and alcohol an consequently early recognition. Furthermore, it ensures that the necessary structures and procedures are in place should a problem arise. An up to date policy will also provide assurance that key staff have been trained to understand the issues involved and have the necessary skills to deal with any problems should they arise.
How can Randox Testing Services help?
At Randox Testing Services we offer a comprehensive consultancy service to help employers create an effective substance misuse policy. By providing this service we offer practical advice, guidance and support in composing a substance misuse policy.
Our confidential policy review service provides assistance to employers with an existing substance misuse policy. With this service, we help to modify existing documents to ensure it is legally viable and can withstand challenge in court.
For more information on our comprehensive consultancy service, visit our website: www.randoxtestingservices.com or contact us by emailing testingservices@randox.com.
To read more about workplace polices and their importance within an organisation, click here.
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Randox puts exports under the microscope at NI Chamber Forum
Putting exports under the microscope at NI Chamber Forum
The Senior Manager for Government Affairs and Strategic Outreach at Randox, Colonel Mark Campbell CBE will discuss the company’s international success at NI Chamber’s next Exporter Forum on 25 September.
Supported by Danske Bank, the initiative provides a platform for Northern Ireland’s most successful exporters to share their inspirational journeys in order to encourage others to grow export activity within their own business.
With offices and distribution in over 145 countries, Randox is one of the region’s most successful exporters and a world leader in the healthcare industry. At the event, Mark will take delegates through the company’s export story, outlining how the business has grown in international markets. Attendees will also be offered an exclusive tour of Randox’s new Science Park.
Encouraging companies with export aspirations to attend, Jonathan Elder, Corporate Banking Manager at Danske Bank, said:
“Danske Bank is proud to support the Export First Exporter forum at the brand new Randox Science Park. Randox has for many years been one of Northern Ireland’s most successful export businesses and so the chance to learn from the company’s experience in international markets will, I’m sure, be invaluable for those who attend the event. If we want Northern Ireland’s economy to grow, particularly post-Brexit, it will be essential that more of our small and medium sized businesses follow the example of market leaders like Randox and take the opportunities on offer to them to sell outside of Northern Ireland.”
Mark Campbell, Senior Manager at Randox Laboratories, added;
“From the very outset Randox has been focussed on export markets – aiming to improve diagnostics, and healthcare, on a global basis. After some 37 years, Randox now export to 145 countries and around 95% of our product is exported.
“Achieving success in export markets can be challenging but the rewards are potentially significant – both in the potential for growth and in improving overall economic wellbeing.
“With this focus on exports in mind, we are very much looking forward to the NI Chamber Export First Exporter Forum. This Forum will provide a valuable opportunity to explore with other Northern Ireland companies export strategies, and how to optimise the potential for company and wider economic growth from overseas markets.”
To register for this event, which takes place on 25 September 2019, between 9.30-11.30am at Randox Laboratories, Antrim visit www.northernirelandchamber.com/events
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