Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing
Protect your workforce, support workplace safety and respond confidently to drug and alcohol concerns with professional testing services. Through our partnership with Seren Laboratory Services, we provide rapid-response "For Cause" testing and ongoing workplace testing programmes, all managed through COPE for a seamless customer experience.
Trusted Laboratory Testing
COPE works in partnership with SLS (formerly Synlab), one of the UK's leading workplace testing laboratories. Together, we provide professional drug and alcohol testing services supported by accredited laboratory confirmation testing and expert reporting.
By working directly through COPE, you benefit from a single point of contact and a fully managed service while gaining access to industry-leading laboratory expertise.
For Cause Testing
2-Hour callout for organisations needing to respond quickly to concerns that an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work.
Scheduled Random Testing
Random and scheduled testing can form part of a wider workplace substance misuse policy, helping organisations promote safety, reduce risk and demonstrate their commitment to a safe working environment.
For Cause Testing
Rapid support when concerns arise
When concerns arise that an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work, employers need to act quickly, fairly and confidently. Our For Cause Testing service provides rapid access to professional workplace testing, helping organisations manage potential safety risks, support informed decision-making and ensure procedures are followed correctly.
Working in partnership with SLS, we can arrange testing either as an urgent response or on a pre-planned basis. With a target callout time of 2 hours across mainland UK, experienced collection officers attend site to carry out testing using robust chain of custody procedures, ensuring results are handled securely and professionally throughout the process.
Where an initial test produces a non-negative result, laboratory confirmation testing is available through Seren's accredited laboratory services, providing employers with greater confidence and defensible results when managing sensitive employee matters.
For Cause Testing is commonly used when:
There are concerns regarding an employee's fitness for work
Following a workplace incident or near miss
Managers observe behaviour that may indicate impairment
Reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol misuse exists
Testing is required in line with company policy or safety-critical procedures
Scheduled Random Testing
Proactive workplace testing programmes
A well-structured drug and alcohol testing programme can play an important role in promoting workplace safety, reducing organisational risk and supporting a culture of accountability. Random and scheduled testing helps employers demonstrate their commitment to a safe working environment while providing an additional layer of protection for employees, customers and the public.
Through our partnership with SLS, COPE can support organisations with fully managed random and scheduled testing programmes tailored to their operational requirements. Whether testing is undertaken across a single site or multiple locations nationwide, our services are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing workplace policies and procedures.
Testing can be arranged as part of a regular programme or through pre-planned site visits, with all non-negative results supported by laboratory confirmation testing to ensure accuracy, confidence and defensible outcomes. Management reporting is also available, providing valuable insight into programme activity and supporting ongoing compliance and risk management.
Random & Scheduled Testing is particularly beneficial for:
Safety-critical environments where workplace impairment could present significant risks
Transport and logistics operations
Manufacturing and engineering businesses
Construction and infrastructure projects
Utilities and energy providers
Public sector and regulated organisations
By taking a proactive approach to workplace substance misuse, organisations can strengthen their safety culture, deter inappropriate behaviour and demonstrate their ongoing commitment to employee wellbeing and operational excellence.
FAQs
When should For Cause testing be used?
For Cause testing is typically used when there is reasonable suspicion that an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst at work. This may include situations where a manager has observed concerning behaviour, following a workplace incident or near miss, or where there are concerns about an employee's fitness for work. Testing should always be carried out in line with your organisation's drug and alcohol policy.
How quickly can a tester attend?
Through our partnership with SLS, we can provide a rapid response service with a target callout time of 2 hours across mainland UK for urgent For Cause testing requirements. Testing can also be arranged on a pre-planned basis where appropriate.
What happens after a non-negative result?
A non-negative screening result does not automatically indicate a positive result. Any non-negative samples can be referred for laboratory confirmation testing to provide a definitive outcome. This additional step helps ensure accuracy and supports fair, evidence-based decision-making for both employers and employees.
Are results laboratory confirmed?
Yes. Whilst initial screening results are available quickly, non-negative results can be sent to SLS for laboratory confirmation testing. This provides a highly accurate and legally defensible result, reducing the risk of false positives and giving employers greater confidence when managing sensitive workplace situations.
Can testing be carried out across multiple sites?
Yes. We can support organisations operating from single or multiple locations across the UK. Whether you require testing at one site or as part of a nationwide programme, we can help coordinate a consistent and professional service.
Can you help us develop a testing programme?
Absolutely. We can work with your organisation to develop a workplace drug and alcohol testing programme that aligns with your operational requirements, workforce size and risk profile. This may include advice on testing frequencies, random testing arrangements, policy implementation and ongoing programme management.
Why should laboratory confirmation testing be used?
Laboratory confirmation testing provides a more comprehensive analysis of non-negative samples and helps ensure results are accurate and defensible. This is particularly important where employment decisions or safety-critical roles may be affected by the outcome of a test.
Need Drug & Alcohol Testing Support?
Whether you need an urgent For Cause response or a long-term workplace testing programme, our team can help you find the right solution.
Standards You Can Trust
COPE has held SEQOHS accreditation since 2013, demonstrating our commitment to safe, effective and high quality occupational health services.
