Texaco drivers to face random drug testing
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• Wincanton looks set to introduce random drink and drugs testing for 245 drivers on its Texaco contract — on the orders of the oil giant.
Wincanton, which took over the prestigious Texaco contract from Tankfreight last October, says it has had the appropriate facilities available for random testing for more than a year but it is only now that they have been requested.
"We are making arrangements to comply with the client's wishes," says Wincanton personnel director Nigel Griffin. Wincanton drivers can expect to have urine samples tested at least once a year. "It really is random," says Griffin.
Texaco is not the first oil company to introduce such a policy. Esso has randomly tested its 250 drivers since 1989. P&O Roadtanks, which has a contract with Esso, says it is able to offer random drug testing to a customer if required.
Shell says it checks its drivers only if suspected of abusing drink or drugs. "Our emphasis is on prevention," it says.
BP says it does not have a testing policy. "Our tanker drivers are expected to be responsible or we wouldn't employ them," it says.
Random drug testing was introduced in the US more than a year ago, following several accidents involving truck drivers who had been using banned substances.
The Transport and General Workers' Union says it remains "vigilant" about the civil liberties aspect of the proposal.