Studies on blood alcohol in the workers of a Zambian copper mine

The results of alcohol studies in workers of a Zambian copper mine showed that 30% of accident cases had measurable blood alcohol levels. A selected group of employees subject to random breath tests before starting work showed that one third had measurable blood alcohol and that this was over 17.6 mmol/l. in 9% of cases. These two groups were not comparable. The results were considered significant enough to justify further study. Two thirds of a group of workers referred to hospital for alcohol tests on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol had alcohol levels exceeding 35.2 mmol/l. It is concluded that there is a range of significant blood alcohol levels where employees are at increased risk of accidents but have a limited chance of detection by their supervisor and that this circumstance justifies the use of random testing particularly of employees responsible for the safety of others.