Is it OK to have a couple of beers at lunch when performing an inspection?

Is it OK to have a couple of beers at lunch when performing an inspection?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only after completing the inspection
• D. Only if the supervisor says it's allowed

Answer: (B)

Having alcohol while doing an inspection is not acceptable. The work relies on being fully alert, with sharp judgment, accurate observation, and quick responses to anything unsafe or out of the ordinary. Even a small amount of alcohol can dull these abilities—slowing reaction times, blurring vision, reducing color and depth perception, and impairing memory and decision-making. In bridge inspections, missing a crack, corrosion, or other defect, or misjudging a load path or structural behavior, can have serious safety consequences for the public and the inspectors themselves. Workplace safety policies generally prohibit alcohol during duty hours because they’re built to protect everyone on site. A supervisor’s approval doesn’t override those safety requirements. The proper approach is to abstain from alcohol during the work shift and only resume drinking after all duties are finished and you’re no longer responsible for inspecting or maintaining safety-critical tasks.

Having alcohol while doing an inspection is not acceptable. The work relies on being fully alert, with sharp judgment, accurate observation, and quick responses to anything unsafe or out of the ordinary. Even a small amount of alcohol can dull these abilities—slowing reaction times, blurring vision, reducing color and depth perception, and impairing memory and decision-making. In bridge inspections, missing a crack, corrosion, or other defect, or misjudging a load path or structural behavior, can have serious safety consequences for the public and the inspectors themselves. Workplace safety policies generally prohibit alcohol during duty hours because they’re built to protect everyone on site. A supervisor’s approval doesn’t override those safety requirements. The proper approach is to abstain from alcohol during the work shift and only resume drinking after all duties are finished and you’re no longer responsible for inspecting or maintaining safety-critical tasks.