How Can We Address the Dangers of Country Liquor in Our Workforce?

Addressing Alcohol Consumption Among Workmen

I am bringing this issue to your notice so that it will be disseminated to all levels. This way, all workmen who consume liquor, particularly those consuming Country Liquor, will control their drinking habits and avoid taking Country Liquor.

Normally, all the workmen have the habit of consuming liquor. Here, in my workmen camp, a regular country liquor-consuming subcontract workman complained of stomach ache to his subcontractor. The subcontractor gave him some money and instructed him to go to the hospital for treatment. However, the workman consumed liquor with that money and stayed in his room without food and without visiting the doctor. After 36 hours, the matter came to my knowledge through my assistant about his stomach ache. I instructed my assistant to take the workman to the hospital. The doctor further investigated and instructed to take the patient to the Government Hospital. But before reaching the Government Hospital, the workman died.

Further, I inquired personally with the doctor who investigated the case. The doctor said, "Due to daily consumption of Country Liquor, his intestine got perforated, and the food taken came out from the intestine and spread all over the area of the peritoneum. The food perished, and due to this, the organs got infected, further leading to death."

Then, after the incident, wherever I go, I used to instruct the safety personnel, Labour Welfare personnel, and Industrial Relations Department to take care of the workmen and advise them not to consume Country Liquor.

Of course, we cannot change the entire workforce, but at least a certain percentage of workers will surely change themselves.

Our members can also advise the workers working on their premises to avoid taking liquor.

Regards,

I request all the CiteHR team to take note of this and disseminate it to lower levels so that the consumption of liquor may decrease and the health of the workforce working under them can be taken care of.

All the best.

Good Morning Bhaskar, Each individual, whether a worker or staff member, is fully aware of this fact. However, habits can exert control over a person, disrupting their life. Hence, it is up to the individual's own desire to continue with this habit occasionally or regularly. In reality, workers are more inclined to consume country liquor as it is cheaper than usual liquor. Only God can provide wisdom and understanding to save them from mishaps.

Thanks, Chandrakant

Hi all, It's a good message for the workforce. I insisted on people not to drink and I used to keep a close watch on the drunkards. However, these strict rules on their personal lives are creating conflicts in the factory. Senior officers say to just ignore it and not delve into their personal lives. But driven by human values and having met most of the employees' families, I consider close monitoring of those who are not following the rules in their personal lives as necessary.

Frankly speaking, companies can set a selection criterion that only non-alcoholic workers can be recruited for jobs. This will encourage employees to leave this bad habit, regardless of their level of management, whether they are white-collar or blue-collar workers. Alcohol is harmful to everyone.

I don't understand how alcohol consumption is justified in society. However, it's a different debate! I am putting forward my opinion in humble spirits.

Thanks

My views are as follows. Some may not agree with them.

Alcohol-Related Deaths: A Recurring Tragedy

There are many true stories about alcohol-related deaths. The most famous story is the news about "so many people who died after consuming spurious liquor from one particular joint." This incident exists in each and every state in India, repeats every few years, and still, many will go to the same joint for consuming liquor. The consumption of alcohol is not new and has existed since the origin of civilization. All addicts know that this is bad for health, yet they do not bother.

The Need for Compassionate Intervention

Until they realize that drinking is harmful (through counseling or self-realization), they will not stop. Therefore, we need to identify each person's reason for drinking and counsel them or take them to de-addiction centers. This is like a disease and must be tackled with compassion, not with a "lathi."

Role of HR in Supporting Employees

As HR personnel, we can guide them to de-addiction centers, ensure compliance with EPF, ESIC, Life and Medical Insurance, gratuity, etc., so that they and their families are protected. No action can be taken against such an employee as they may excel in their work, and outside of work hours, they may drink.

The Fallacy of Discriminatory Hiring Practices

The idea of not recruiting them is both humorous and illegal: What if a non-drinker starts drinking after employment? Also, why focus only on drinkers? Why not consider those who smoke, chew tobacco and gutka, drink tea/coffee, take drugs (including those addicted to cough syrups), consume mouth fresheners/chewing gum, eat non-veg food, etc., to be banned as well? I am certain that each of us is fond of or addicted to something that others may not like. Thus, this may not be a viable option.

Regards

Thank you, friends, for your valuable comments. We cannot change a person by simply giving some speech or lecture. But as an Industrial Relations Man/Safety Man/Labour Welfare Man, we must do our duty, in which we must insist and add some lines while discussing with the workforce and with their families. If we think, we can surely do something. I too agree we cannot control all the drunkards. But sometimes, somewhere, our speech will be recognized, and surely someone will understand, and it will help at least some percentage of workers to leave the habit of liquor addiction or at least to control the drinking habit.

Let us add this point also while discussing with the workers and their families, to have control over the consumption of liquor and especially on country liquor. (Here I am not talking about the illicit liquor which is poisonous, which needs to be completely avoided).

Regards

I agree with your thoughts; however, my point here is that just as a company would not hire a candidate who is addicted to drugs or any substance that does not make him/her fit for the job, then why accept alcohol? It is a known fact that alcohol reduces alertness and judgment of the drinker. Employees who drink and come to the office may cause accidents, hurt themselves and others, or even cause deaths. Companies should deal with this issue strictly.

I understand that drinking has been there for centuries in civilizations, and we cannot expect a perfect world. But at least in those factories, foundries, workshops, and companies where employee alertness and judgment are required, any substance addiction should be avoided.

Drunken employees are a nuisance, risky, and an extra cost on productivity, apart from causing family troubles. Alcohol is like a social evil that we should strive to eradicate, and companies can do their part as a corporate social responsibility to discourage alcohol. However, it is exactly the opposite; we practically see that company annual parties are flooded with a variety of alcoholic drinks, and the result is colorful stories and incidents doing rounds after such parties. Bad mouthing, harassing, and littering incidents are reported, and actions are taken. What good or enjoyment does alcohol give? I don't understand why corporates encourage alcohol celebrations.

When counseling doesn’t work, a strict hand can improve conditions. However, this is my suggestion, and I know it may not be agreed upon by many, including those who are alcohol consumers. It's just an opinion.

Thanks

Thank you for your valuable reply. Here I am addressing the workmen (Labour class - individuals who do not possess any qualifications and work as unskilled workers) and not the employees (employees who have some educational qualifications and can make their own decisions). The workers do not drink in the morning hours, but they may drink after completing their work in the evening as they head back home or to their Labour Camp. We cannot control whether they drink at home, as we do not have the right to interfere with their personal activities. However, we do have a moral responsibility to educate them and their families about managing their alcohol consumption.

Thank you.

Absolutely right! I was just generally saying... you know... because alcohol is a social evil affecting us all. However, even if we are talking about workmen, blue-collar employees, the issues are the same. I have come across many annual events for factory workers where alcohol is provided at the annual parties... and then, you know... what happens :-D

Alcohol Consumption and Its Consequences

Now tell me one thing, if a worker is consuming alcohol and falling sick, the company is paying for treatment on compassionate grounds, but is it justified? Daily consumers of alcohol are actually addicted, and they have the effects running in their body while they are at work. This may hamper their productivity as well as cause concern for safety.

The Ongoing Debate

But this debate can go on and on. Everyone knows that smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming gutkha are very detrimental to health and society, but no one understands. God knows what goes on in their minds!!

Regards

Thank you, Mr. Hussain Zulfikar, for your valuable reply. Here I am suggesting to the forum members to simply add a line in their regular meetings with the workforce about the causes of consuming liquor. At least someone can listen and understand the effects of liquor, especially country liquor.

Very nice, informative, and truly an eye-opener. I agree with you that if we can't educate them or preach, we can at least ensure that all the employees/workers are aware of the dangers of deadly liquor. Great efforts... hope that people reading it will surely benefit from this.

Bhaskar, whether it is country liquor or IMF liquor, if taken excessively on a daily basis, it will lead to all sorts of health problems.

Pon

Incident at the Labor Camp in Hyderabad

While I was in Hyderabad, the incident I mentioned took place at my labor camp. From that date onwards, I have been instructing the workforce not to drink liquor. If they have the urge to drink, I request them to opt for costly liquor and to control the quantity, allowing them to drink a maximum of once or twice a month.

We cannot immediately impose strict control on the workforce as it may have an adverse impact on their health. Gradual restriction is necessary to manage the situation effectively.

Thank you for your valuable comments, Mr. Pon and Ms. Archana.

Dear Mr. Bhaskar,

You are discussing an issue related to India. You must be aware that I am employed in Qatar. Liquor is available in Qatar as this country is promoting it. For your information, even in Qatar, you will find second-quality liquor. Although we have strictly warned our employees not to consume liquor inside the camp, they drink outside. Based on their abnormal behavior after consuming liquor, we have terminated the services of a couple of employees. However, I still find employees at various levels consuming liquor with pleasure.

Those who are addicted to liquor find it very difficult to get rid of it. All you can do is remind them about their family members, their commitments/responsibilities towards their family, and keep motivating them.

We cannot predict anything, but if an individual wants to, they can do wonders with their own life. It's all about willpower. Let's keep educating and motivating individuals about bad habits that can end their life.

With profound regards,

It's true, Mr. Khadir, we can only advise them and provide motivation; we cannot insist on them not taking action, as they are workers bound to be under our control for only limited hours, not 24/7. Let us do our job. Even if our actions save just one person, it credits our work. In marketing, when selling a product, representatives may visit hundreds of people, but only one or two out of those hundred may make a purchase. Similarly, by informing everyone and having them adhere to the message, those who listen will benefit.

Our duty here is solely to disseminate the message without any expectations.

Thanks for your valuable reply, Mr. Khadir.

Important Reminder for New Members

Reposted for the benefit of the new members who may not have noticed earlier. Let us disseminate the message to all our workforce so that it can potentially save someone's life.

Thank you.

You can curb such unwanted practices in the organization only by bringing in some discipline. You have to install a breath analyzer, which should be kept at the security gate. This will convey a clear message that employees consuming alcohol will not be allowed to resume work that day.

Secondly, to reinforce this message, if anybody is caught drunk on duty, you should immediately send for a blood test. Once you receive the test report, in the case of contractual workers, instruct the contractor to replace the concerned worker. If your permanent workforce is found consuming alcohol, conduct an inquiry and take appropriate action based on their past record.

Regards

First of all, thanks for starting this thread and sharing your real-life experience with us. It is really thought-provoking and an eye-opener.

Understanding Different Types of Liquor

First of all, I searched out and understood the difference between country liquor, Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), and illicit liquor. I think all varieties of these can cause health problems if consumed daily and if not accompanied by a good amount of food. You mentioned that the diseased worker was not taking food and consumed alcohol, leading to death.

Medical Advice on Alcohol Consumption

One point I would like to mention is that some medical practitioners prescribe IMFL-controlled consumption daily to some heart patients or say it's generally good to reduce heart diseases for a healthy person. How reliable this statement is, I don't know. However, country liquor and illicit liquor, in this case scenario, are also dangerous to humans. I hope to hear more views on this particular input from all. Is the consumption of alcohol (IMFL) good for health? If yes, for what diseases and in what quantity and frequency?

Alcohol Consumption in Industrial Settings

When it comes to industries, construction sectors, etc., we can control the workforce inside company premises and labor colonies. You should have strict rules for labor colonies. It should be clearly briefed to all newcomers/workers that these two (Inside Plant & Colony) are places where the consumption of alcohol is strictly banned. If caught, you will be terminated. In this case, if they drink, it will be in their rooms and in controlled consumption. If a person drinks more, he will lose his senses, and somehow we can come to know that this person drinks and creates disturbances in the labor colony. Just hack him out and impose a good amount of penalty on the concerned contractor. This will surely bring changes, and you can control the affairs slowly.

You should have clear signage saying the Ban On Consumption of Alcohol and what the consequences will be if caught drunk in labor colonies and factories. As all others said, I also fully agree that training, awareness sessions, and counseling are all important, and we should do that. We can educate them and bring administrative control to avoid alcohol consumption in our area. If a person is staying outside of the factory arranging their own accommodation, only education will help; administrative control will fail in this case.

However, it's very difficult to change a person's habit of alcohol consumption. Let's try our best for those who are attached to us.

Regards

I know I cannot change everybody with my lecture, but if my lecture saves one or two lives out of the thousand workmen available with me, it will be my lifetime achievement. Saving someone's life is not comparable with any other help. Have you ever faced someone with love and tears in their eyes, telling you that you have saved their life? "I am alive only due to your timely advice." If you come across such a situation, then you will surely pass these types of messages to the community.

For changing the workmen from their work is very easy, but to try to correct them is a different matter. As a matter of fact, you are coordinating with those people only for 8 hours, and afterwards, if they do anything, you cannot control them. You can only restrict them with your natural love and affection.

Thanks for your valuable comments, Mr. DMC.

Dear Dipil,
The country liquor or illicit liquor is made of some chemical and is highly poisonous. It can burn and destroy the skin inside our intestines. The processed food that passes through the intestine can escape into the peritoneal cavity from the damaged intestine, and within two days, it will start damaging other organs in the peritoneal cavity. Hence, death occurs.

But the IMFL is processed and passes through many quality tests before it is bottled. (I hope) Hence, it is safer than the cottage-prepared country liquor. We can even advise their family members to take care of him and restrict him from consuming the country liquor.

Thanks for your analytical feedback, Mr. Dipil.

Dear Bhaskar, thanks for sharing the information with us. In my point of view, we can't change 100%, but we will try to change as much as we can. One good example for you (I don't want to mention a name and place): One of my seniors/friends, who has been working in the EHS field for the last 14 years, quit smoking 7 years ago. However, last week, he was under a smoking shelter with a cigarette, which was shocking. I asked him what was wrong, and he simply showed me the paper/report (one of his employees was injured; he lost his finger). Everybody has a reason for everything.

Anyhow, Mr. Bhaskar, I will pass this message to all. Keep up the good work. . .

Thank you, Raghu, for your valuable feedback. As I said earlier, if my advice saves even a single person's life, it is also a credit for me. Hence, I am doing the same while discussing friendly with my workforce. I am not advising or talking; instead, I am just interacting with them. I have faith that surely my workforce will listen to my words and try to follow me.

Have a great week ahead, Raghu.