Pubdate: Sat, 23 Jun 2012 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2012 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/letters/letters-to-the-editor.html Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Michelle Joljart THE RIGHT TO A SAFE WORKPLACE Re: "Oilpatch ramps up drug tests; Three major firms sign on for random testing project," the Journal, June 21, 2012. Oil companies take great pride in employing skilled individuals to operate heavy and dangerous equipment at sites that run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They take every health and safety precaution to ensure the safest working environment possible. They have strict guidelines on hours worked, time off and travel to and from the job site. How is drug and alcohol testing of employees by large oil companies an infringement on workers' rights? Workers have a responsibility to come to work sober and to expect the same of their co-workers, on whom their safety depends. This is not the 1980s, where liquid lunches and office parties with alcohol were acceptable. The oil industry in Alberta has made considerable efforts to be transparent and honest in explaining its operating practices. This move to drug and alcohol testing is one more example of the way that all companies should behave. Make workers responsible for their decisions and actions. Michelle Joljart, Edmonton - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom