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OPERATE AWAREDrug & alcohol awareness
Why Operate Aware

Experience. Specialist insight. Practical workplace solutions.

Choosing the right partner means working with people who understand both the operational realities of your business and the seriousness of the risks you are trying to manage.

Years of combined UK fleet sector experience
60+

Years of combined UK fleet sector experience

Founders: two fleet specialists and a police drugs expert
3

Founders: two fleet specialists and a police drugs expert

Practical services, tailored to your workforce
5

Practical services, tailored to your workforce

Goal: prevent harm before an incident occurs
1

Goal: prevent harm before an incident occurs

  • Over 60 years of combined fleet experience

    Our founders understand the commercial pressures, operational demands and responsibilities associated with managing vehicles and drivers in the UK fleet market.

  • Specialist policing expertise

    Our founding team includes a UK police Detective Sergeant with specialist expertise in drugs, bringing valuable insight into drug-related risks and their wider consequences.

  • Practical education, not just theory

    We focus on realistic scenarios, difficult conversations and the decisions managers may need to make under pressure.

  • A fair, evidence-led approach

    We emphasise factual observations, appropriate procedures and proportionate action, helping managers avoid unsupported assumptions and inconsistent responses.

  • Focused on prevention

    Our objective is to help organisations recognise gaps, strengthen their approach and take sensible steps to reduce risk before an incident occurs.

Know the landscape

The UK legal framework at a glance.

Several pieces of UK legislation shape employers' responsibilities around drugs and alcohol. Understanding them is part of managing risk well.

  1. 1971

    Misuse of Drugs Act

    It can be an offence for those managing premises to knowingly permit certain drug-related activities there.

  2. 1974

    Health and Safety at Work etc. Act

    Employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others, so far as reasonably practicable.

  3. 1988

    Road Traffic Act

    Offences of driving while unfit through drink or drugs, over the alcohol limit, or (since 2015) over specified drug limits.

  4. 1992

    Transport and Works Act

    Certain rail and guided transport workers commit an offence if unfit through drink or drugs while working.

  5. 1999

    Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

    Employers must assess risks to workers, which can include risks from drug and alcohol misuse.

Summary for awareness only. This is not legal advice. Seek professional advice for your circumstances.

Drink-drive limits

mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood

England & Wales80mg
Scotland50mg
Drivers who cross borders face different limits. There is no reliable way to know when you are under the limit. The safest approach is none.

We recognise that every organisation is different. We cannot eliminate every risk or guarantee protection from legal action. We can help you build the awareness, knowledge and processes needed to manage workplace drug and alcohol risks more effectively.

Give your managers the knowledge to act before a concern becomes a crisis.

Start the conversation

Initial conversations are free and without obligation.