screening, the Health Minister declared yesterday.

Policemen entering the force should also face compulsory tests, he added.

But the Hon. Quinton Edness backed away from general mandatory drug screening -- despite fears that around 25 percent of employees could have a problem.

Instead, he called for a more relaxed national anti-drugs policy for employers.

The emphasis would be on rehabilitation to ween drug users off their addiction.

But those suspected of drug abuse because of poor performance risked dismissal -- if they refused screening.

Mr. Edness hopes outlining Government's position will whip up national debate on drug screening at work.

He appealed for the Bermuda Industrial Union, Chamber of Commerce, and Bermuda Employers Council to get involved.

Discussion could lay the groundwork for an Island-wide policy, he said.

And a Drug-Free Workplace Act -- mirroring the United States -- could be introduced as well, although much further down the road.

Mr. Edness told The Royal Gazette : "It is essential people start thinking and debating the issue.

"The cost to the country of drug and alcohol abuse is simply immeasurable.'' Statistics show drug testing in the US has been a massive success, he added.

Positive tests slumped from 18.1 percent in 1987 to 8.8 percent in 1991.

Mr. Edness also floated his own idea for tackling the drugs menace -- screening those involved in road accidents.

Such tests would be carried out as routinely as those for alcohol.

"I would certainly recommend it to Government,'' said Mr. Edness.

Workplace drug screening forms a key part in Government consultant Dr. David Archibald's report on a national drugs strategy.

Dr. Archibald fails to take a definite stance on screening, although he raises fears about a possible human rights barrier.

He calls for the issue of invasion of privacy to be reviewed before implementing a policy.

The issue was examined by a task force set up for his report, says Dr.

Archibald.

"...with respect to some occupations, an employer arguably has a duty to ensure a drug-free workplace.

"The Task Force members believe that this is the most compelling argument for implementation of drug testing.

"The strength of this argument obviously diminishes with respect to occupations which are not safety-related.'' Mr. Edness said Government completely backed the stance taken by the International Labour Office (ILO).

The ILO suggests companies work out a drugs-testing policy with unions, which would apply to management as well as workers.

It would focus on conditions of treatment and rehabilitation, assurances about confidentiality and job security, and insurance cover.

A sample company policy statement has been produced by the ILO.

"A policy should be promulgated as part of education about drugs testing at work.

"It must be implemented with union representatives, and must apply to management as well as workers.'' said Mr. Edness.

He said drug testing should be aimed at helping people -- not punishing.

It would involve urine analysis, and be entirely confidential.

Workers testing positive could be offered help through an employees assistance programme or rehabilitation scheme.

But Mr. Edness warned: "If you do not wish to subject yourself to the tests and if you continue to be late or your work production deteriorates you could lose your job.

"Management should be able to offer employees the option: go into treatment with complete confidentiality, or you may lose your job.

"What I and the Government are really advocating is testing for cause -- testing those who show symptoms of possible drug or alcohol abuse.'' Mr. Edness said he did not believe a drugs testing policy needed legislation.

He had been advised it would merely become part of a contract of employment.

Mr. Edness backed mandatory and random testing for those responsible for public safety.

This would include bus drivers, airline pilots, and those entering the Police force.

"I believe there is a good case for mandatory testing in these areas,'' said Mr. Edness.

"Fortunately in this country we don't have a great number of Policemen involved in drugs. We haven't had a problem.'' He added, however, major disasters in other countries had been related to drug or alcohol abuse.