Drug Testing

[455driver]

Good to see that a Driver wants a "bit of a challenge"

Most of the time its nice just to plod along with nothing much happening but occasionally its nice when things go a little wrong just so I have a bit more to think about!

I do enjoy being routed onto the fast lines in a 455 so I can use my route knowledge of braking a little later than normal so I dont get in the way of the posh trains!

I wish you the "right kind of rain" I think the tedium of driving trains is often the unheard of side of the job.

Changed my mind now, I will settle for a bit of fog in the morning clearing about 10 oclock into a nice sunny day!
Its the weekend and we must be due some decent weather!

 

[Couttsy]

I'm curious. Why don't you care about the rain when bad weather is notoriously bad for train running and can cause aditional delays as well as adhesion related incidents ? Surely having clement weather is prefferential.

ps.
I care I wanna take the kiddywinkles to Legoland (currently showing showers in windsor on saturday)

pps.
I actually know the answer to the op but cant abide rudenes and lack of respect for other peoples posting style so I shall refrain from posting a clear, concise and coherent answer to his quandary.

Sorry but your not even worth my time with a reply like that and I refuse to be dragged down to a level more suiting of you! It's my job teaching young people good manners everyday of the week my friend so I can tell you now my manners are amongst the very best! They cost me nothing so they get well and truly used thank you very much!

Don't bother with another comment as I won't be replying to you!

 

[455driver]

I can tell you now my manners are amongst the very best!

In your opinion!
Others might disagree.

 

[Couttsy]

I'm sorry if I came across as patronizing; I was just trying to explain how a hiring manager would see it.

The fact is that many if not most people who take prescription drugs without a prescription, be it recreational, performance-enhancing, or otherwise, do so against medical advice assuming such advice is sought. That's an indicator of bad judgement.

Keep in mind that you probably wouldn't even be given the opportunity to explain any of this; they would simply move on to the next qualified candidate. There's just too much liability involved in safety-critical roles.

Also, keep in mind that should you take your medical between cycles, not declare it, then get hired into a safety-critical role, you'll still be subject to random testing throughout your career.

Ian thank you for your reply and I must say I now take on board what your saying. It was good of you to come back and change your style of speech.

A good man is always capable of doing that and also shows off your thinking skills. Credit to you
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Youre wecome Coutssy and don't be too dis-heartened,this forum,like anywhere else......represents a section of society who have perceptions of life based on both fact and hearsay,its good to get an overview.......and remember,every story has two sides

What you have 'done' is seen to be wrong in the eyes of many,however,show me a man who has never made a mistake,or a poor choice, and i'll show you a liar.

Your honesty,and frankness,is to be applauded imo.

Good luck.

Thanks again. True gentlemen always stand out

In the future I will be employed on the trains and will thank my employers by showing them and passengers my upmost respect, great manners and a service second to none!

 

[DarloRich]

My post will not be what the op wants to hear but it needs to be said:

My safety and the safety of my colleagues depends on each of us being in a fit state to undertake our work. We have a duty to look out for ourselves and for others. Your use of a prohibited drug ultimately puts that at risk. We are responsible for ensuring we arrive at work having complied with the stated drugs and alcohol policy of our employers. I signed that on day one right after my medical.

A very dim is taken view of any one under the influence or suspected to be under the influence at work - and rightly so as it puts people at risk of death or serious injury.

Any of us can be randomly tested and you will be tested as a matter of course immediately after any incident of whatever nature. If anything on the company prohibited list is found (legal or otherwise) you will be sacked on the spot.

If you want to work on the railway how about you stop trying to beat the system and stop taking things that are on the proscribed list?

If you have a medical condition requiring treatment with such substances declare it and have it manged by your employer. If you dont have a medical condition then stop or look for an alternative career.

 

[Latecomer]

I'm not saying that taking anabolic steroids was a good idea but the OP has said that they stopped taking them 8 weeks ago. That is still relatively recent but I personally don't see why he can't make a go of a train driving career when a bit more time has passed.

I agree 100% with the need for drivers to comply completely with the alcohol and drugs policy (and most of us go further and don't touch even one unit of alcohol at least 24 hrs before a turn). However, I think some of the posts are coming across a bit moralistic. How many train drivers do you think are out there who have taken illegal substances in the past or have been totally reckless with legal substances? People wake up and smell the coffee so to speak (or should they be on de-caff?) and provided they take sensible steps to address any issues I don't see why they can't make a decent driver. This whole questionable judgement idea smacks of disapproval of a lifestyle choice someone previously took. How many of us might that reflect badly on if that was what we are measured by? Should someone be written off permanently for making poor decisions at one point of their life, although even then we don't know what reasons the OP had for making his choice at the time.

There is character and good judgement in deciding to come off a substance that might affect a future career path. If we were discussing someone who appears addicted to a substance that will impair their judgement and who might relapse then I would take a different view. I personally think there's too many high morals flying about here.

 

[ComUtoR]

... A very interesting perspective...

Whilst I fully respect that perspective and I fully endorse rehabilitation, sins of the past etc. I do see that the railway can often be a different matter entirely.

Its not about moral judgements. Its about risk. Public liability is huge and it's a risk that the railway cannot afford to take at the point of employment. It has been previously posted that the fallout from any incident would be unpalletable to the paying public. Does that end justify the means ? Absolutley not but the second that an employer accepts that risk then they are responsible for that employee and their action. I asked myself when the OP first posted. "Would I employ him ?" my personal answer was no. "Would you ?"

Many here tout and espouse the Zero Tollerance to drugs. At the point of employment when you already know there is a history of drug use or indeed a medical complaint. If you choose to employ you have to take precautions and implement safeguards. Not to mention that the new employee may not even be fit for duty on their first day. Its more barriers to employment.

I would hope that there is suitable employment for everyone and that barriers can be overcome. If an employer chooses to accept those liabilities then I applaud them.

However; those sins of the past that we carry with us are our own personal responsibilites and we should accept that. If I chose to take drugs recreationally and assumed that it would not affect my employment then its my own ignorance and not the faut of others. If, through no fault of my own, I have a medical complaint then there are various laws in place to protect me whilst at work and prevent discrimination which prevents employment but I still accept that some jobs I just can't do.

 

[Latecomer]

Whilst I fully respect that perspective and I fully endorse rehabilitation, sins of the past etc. I do see that the railway can often be a different matter entirely.

Its not about moral judgements. Its about risk. Public liability is huge and it's a risk that the railway cannot afford to take at the point of employment. It has been previously posted that the fallout from any incident would be unpalletable to the paying public. Does that end justify the means ? Absolutley not but the second that an employer accepts that risk then they are responsible for that employee and their action. I asked myself when the OP first posted. "Would I employ him ?" my personal answer was no. "Would you ?"

Many here tout and espouse the Zero Tollerance to drugs. At the point of employment when you already know there is a history of drug use or indeed a medical complaint. If you choose to employ you have to take precautions and implement safeguards. Not to mention that the new employee may not even be fit for duty on their first day. Its more barriers to employment.

I would hope that there is suitable employment for everyone and that barriers can be overcome. If an employer chooses to accept those liabilities then I applaud them.

However; those sins of the past that we carry with us are our own personal responsibilites and we should accept that. If I chose to take drugs recreationally and assumed that it would not affect my employment then its my own ignorance and not the faut of others. If, through no fault of my own, I have a medical complaint then there are various laws in place to protect me whilst at work and prevent discrimination which prevents employment but I still accept that some jobs I just can't do.

Firstly I'm not clear where you got my quote from which in which I said "a very interesting perspective". To be clear. I don't endorse drug use of any kind (I know that you weren't implying that). However, the OP has not stated that they were addicted, indeed he seems to have stopped taking them readily enough. Of course if an employer is aware of current or historical factors that could impact on someone's suitability then they should be fully assessed and no risks taken. What I'm saying is that that is all very well when this knowledge is known. I would imagine that a great many decent train drivers have in the past taken illegal drugs in common with a fair percentage of the population, and/or used performance enhancing drugs and certainly a significant number have abused alcohol at various times. Quite simply though people can and do chose to put that behind them. The mess room is made up of all sorts of people from all walks of life. Regardless of divergent characteristics the vast majority take the job and the responsibilities (which include managing life outside work) extremely seriously, but I can guarantee that many of those at some point in the past would have been lacking in judgement or might have taken drugs because they felt it didn't have a detrimental impact on them at the time. Those same people could quite consciously decide that it had no place in the safety critical career path they wished to embark on.

The only difference with the OP is that the OP has come on a forum and asked a question. If the same standards were applied to all train drivers because of past behaviours then a large part of the workforce would be gone. Do I believe that drug use is a problem in the active driver pool? Definitely not. Drivers know they can be tested at any time, but it goes beyond that, they know they have to be as close to 100% mentally prepared as they can be.

Would I wish my train to be driven by the driver who was kept awake by the kids or the neighbours all night or by the person who took anabolic steroids for a time in their life, was never addicted to them and took a conscious and responsible decision to stop in order to pursue a career path? I know which one I would choose. I am not suggesting that it would be a correct decision to employ someone with a very recent history of anabolic steroid use, but where we disagree is that I don't think that decision should be to their detriment forever. Rehabilitation normally follows addiction. Addiction has not been mentioned. If their original decision to take them can be viewed as poor judgement then I believe that can and does change. I happen to think that this subject just presses a few buttons and there is a more rational way to look at the issue with a degree of perspective that in no way diminishes my own acceptance that drug abuse has no place in the driver role. The poor judgement issue I do think is a moral standpoint and most of us would fail by that measure if it were to be applied to past behaviours.

 

[TDK]

Any of us can be randomly tested and you will be tested as a matter of course immediately after any incident of whatever nature. If anything on the company prohibited list is found (legal or otherwise) you will be sacked on the spot.

To add to being sacked you could also end up in court for causing death or injury due to gross misconduct.

To answer the OP if you go for a railway medical and you have Anabolic Steroids in your system no matter how small a percentage you will not get the job. If it is out of your system and you decide to take these drugs whilst employed and get tested randomly you will lose your job, if you have an incident that causes any injury to anyone and you test positive you will lose your job and most likely end up in court with a possibility of ending up in prison. You mentioned that you no longer have the need or urge to use these drugs anymore and if that is the case make sure they are out of your system and then apply, you do not need to tell them that you once took steroids as any applicant would not have to tell anyone they used to take cannabis. Good luck with your application but keep off the drugs if you are serious about having a long career on the railways.

 

[Clip]

Because my wife was not to sure on the subject so I decided what better place to ask a Rail career question than a Rail forum!

Quite simple really my friend! Do you not agree?

I prefere you would say your wife than "SHE" It just sounds a bit more friendly

Actually no, she, sorry , your wife , would have got a more complete and definitive answer by asking her Occy health provider about this and they would have come back with a much better answer than anyone on here who isnt a medical professional could give you.


That, my friend, is how simple it is.

 

[Sanatogen]

Not even sure they test for steroids.

 

[ComUtoR]

@Latecomer

Sorry and let me be clearer for you. The *snip* edit was because I didn't see the need to full quote your post. I found it to be very interesting and hoped I conveyed that was the case. Apologies if you thought otherwise.

The rehabilitation wasn't specific to the drug use and I was kinda halfway posting in terms of "Rehabilitation of offenders act" but in general terms My intent was that I believe that irrespective of your chequered past you should always be given that chance.

I like your second post too

The railway has never suffered with people entering the industry and I hate to use a tired rhetoric from some managers I know but there is plenty of people queueing up for a job :/

Given the choice betwen candidate A and candidate B I would pick someone with less barriers for employment than a potential liability. I have sat that side of the desk and made that decision (not specifically a drug based one)

I dont think we disagree about long term detriment and I support employeers who make allowances for peoples past. However; there are plenty of places where specific past missdeeds will prevent employment. I wouldn't hire a person with a fraud conviction to work in a bank. I used to be a courier and I was required to have a clean licence. I would hope to jebus that a safety critical role has similar constraints. Having a medical prior to employment is a screener. Having full disclosure at interview/application also acts as a screener.

Disclosure does help as agreements can be reached and caveats put in place. losing your job a a later date because of non disclosure is jst as detrimental, if not worse, or future employment.

 

[Latecomer]

@ ComUtoR

Thanks for explaining that, I simply hadn't come across that sort of clip quote before. I see why you opted to do that but I guess I prefer a a quote box to be that - no need to the edit the original though as there was nothing contentious in it at all.

On the subject matter we don't actually wildly disagree. My main reason for post was because I felt the OP was initially getting slated for something they had stopped doing for 8 weeks. I give them credit for that. I also feel that whilst it's reasonable enough that people have spelt out the consequences of being caught with drugs in their system either through random testing or following an incident some of those posts did not appear to have understood the original post. I have to point out DarloRich's post which stated "If you want to work on the railway how about you stop trying to beat the system and stop taking things that are on the proscribed list?" To me it was clear that the OP had stopped taking things on the proscribed list.

I have seen a number of younger recruits get through the assessment process with good reactions (that come with youth) and by somehow passing the psychometrics, but I have also seen a small proportion of these ending up taking the job, the wage and the responsibility for granted. I see some coming in to work in a rush looking tired and unprepared and I wonder if they are enjoying the trappings of the job but not taking the responsibilities seriously enough. We all get tired sometimes but there are some who have incidents and you know the reasons why. To give him some credit the OP has at least recognised what is required and if anyone was to understand the necessity to stay drug and alcohol clear (or obviously to declare any drugs taken), then it would be him I would think. In my mind that shows someone that is already thinking about the demands of the job and what is required.

That was really my original purpose in posting because I felt that some people were leaping in with moral judgement statements that would be to the detriment of all of us if the nooks and crannies of our past lives were shone in torchlight. I would only say again that once clear of his system the OP will be able to have a go at the job without anyone having ever known, like many, many who have gone before him and who have gone on to work many years responsibly and without ever compromising the safety of others by anything they have ingested. There's a whole gamut of behaviours that I might disapprove of in another person (from their far right views to how they treat their spouse, to whatever) but provided they carry out their job professionally and those things don't affect their job or the people they work with or for and in particular the public, then I won't say that it should bar their employment.

 

[plastictaffy]

<--- wonders aloud if poor spelling and grammar are a side effect of sterIOd use........

 

[Red18]

<--- wonders aloud if poor spelling and grammar are a side effect of sterIOd use........

you on them too? Doh!

 

[Couttsy]

My post will not be what the op wants to hear but it needs to be said:

My safety and the safety of my colleagues depends on each of us being in a fit state to undertake our work. We have a duty to look out for ourselves and for others. Your use of a prohibited drug ultimately puts that at risk. We are responsible for ensuring we arrive at work having complied with the stated drugs and alcohol policy of our employers. I signed that on day one right after my medical.

A very dim is taken view of any one under the influence or suspected to be under the influence at work - and rightly so as it puts people at risk of death or serious injury.

Any of us can be randomly tested and you will be tested as a matter of course immediately after any incident of whatever nature. If anything on the company prohibited list is found (legal or otherwise) you will be sacked on the spot.

If you want to work on the railway how about you stop trying to beat the system and stop taking things that are on the proscribed list?

If you have a medical condition requiring treatment with such substances declare it and have it manged by your employer. If you dont have a medical condition then stop or look for an alternative career.

Hi Dario, your comment makes great sense to me but my OP post states clearly that my steriod use had finished and was a thing of the past! I think people have took my original OP and kind of Chinese whispered it!

So Dario, actually your comment is something I want to he and take your view on board? So thank you kindly sir
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Whilst I fully respect that perspective and I fully endorse rehabilitation, sins of the past etc. I do see that the railway can often be a different matter entirely.

Its not about moral judgements. Its about risk. Public liability is huge and it's a risk that the railway cannot afford to take at the point of employment. It has been previously posted that the fallout from any incident would be unpalletable to the paying public. Does that end justify the means ? Absolutley not but the second that an employer accepts that risk then they are responsible for that employee and their action. I asked myself when the OP first posted. "Would I employ him ?" my personal answer was no. "Would you ?"

Many here tout and espouse the Zero Tollerance to drugs. At the point of employment when you already know there is a history of drug use or indeed a medical complaint. If you choose to employ you have to take precautions and implement safeguards. Not to mention that the new employee may not even be fit for duty on their first day. Its more barriers to employment.

I would hope that there is suitable employment for everyone and that barriers can be overcome. If an employer chooses to accept those liabilities then I applaud them.

However; those sins of the past that we carry with us are our own personal responsibilites and we should accept that. If I chose to take drugs recreationally and assumed that it would not affect my employment then its my own ignorance and not the faut of others. If, through no fault of my own, I have a medical complaint then there are various laws in place to protect me whilst at work and prevent discrimination which prevents employment but I still accept that some jobs I just can't do.

I still think your missing the point of the actual OP!

By time if I went forward with the application and was accepted then steriods would be out of my system and as I clearly state I'm not using them again!

So are you saying because I took a course of steriods once that I should never apply to work on the trains?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

To add to being sacked you could also end up in court for causing death or injury due to gross misconduct.

To answer the OP if you go for a railway medical and you have Anabolic Steroids in your system no matter how small a percentage you will not get the job. If it is out of your system and you decide to take these drugs whilst employed and get tested randomly you will lose your job, if you have an incident that causes any injury to anyone and you test positive you will lose your job and most likely end up in court with a possibility of ending up in prison. You mentioned that you no longer have the need or urge to use these drugs anymore and if that is the case make sure they are out of your system and then apply, you do not need to tell them that you once took steroids as any applicant would not have to tell anyone they used to take cannabis. Good luck with your application but keep off the drugs if you are serious about having a long career on the railways.

Thank you TDK
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Firstly I'm not clear where you got my quote from which in which I said "a very interesting perspective". To be clear. I don't endorse drug use of any kind (I know that you weren't implying that). However, the OP has not stated that they were addicted, indeed he seems to have stopped taking them readily enough. Of course if an employer is aware of current or historical factors that could impact on someone's suitability then they should be fully assessed and no risks taken. What I'm saying is that that is all very well when this knowledge is known. I would imagine that a great many decent train drivers have in the past taken illegal drugs in common with a fair percentage of the population, and/or used performance enhancing drugs and certainly a significant number have abused alcohol at various times. Quite simply though people can and do chose to put that behind them. The mess room is made up of all sorts of people from all walks of life. Regardless of divergent characteristics the vast majority take the job and the responsibilities (which include managing life outside work) extremely seriously, but I can guarantee that many of those at some point in the past would have been lacking in judgement or might have taken drugs because they felt it didn't have a detrimental impact on them at the time. Those same people could quite consciously decide that it had no place in the safety critical career path they wished to embark on.

The only difference with the OP is that the OP has come on a forum and asked a question. If the same standards were applied to all train drivers because of past behaviours then a large part of the workforce would be gone. Do I believe that drug use is a problem in the active driver pool? Definitely not. Drivers know they can be tested at any time, but it goes beyond that, they know they have to be as close to 100% mentally prepared as they can be.

Would I wish my train to be driven by the driver who was kept awake by the kids or the neighbours all night or by the person who took anabolic steroids for a time in their life, was never addicted to them and took a conscious and responsible decision to stop in order to pursue a career path? I know which one I would choose. I am not suggesting that it would be a correct decision to employ someone with a very recent history of anabolic steroid use, but where we disagree is that I don't think that decision should be to their detriment forever. Rehabilitation normally follows addiction. Addiction has not been mentioned. If their original decision to take them can be viewed as poor judgement then I believe that can and does change. I happen to think that this subject just presses a few buttons and there is a more rational way to look at the issue with a degree of perspective that in no way diminishes my own acceptance that drug abuse has no place in the driver role. The poor judgement issue I do think is a moral standpoint and most of us would fail by that measure if it were to be applied to past behaviours.

Thank you for this great post and appreciate the support! I have a great work ethic and I'm a very hard worker so in 3 months time when I know the traces of the fast acting steroid will be out of my system I will apply for the position of on board CSA. Thanks again
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

<--- wonders aloud if poor spelling and grammar are a side effect of sterIOd use........

#Gutted ha ha
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Actually no, she, sorry , your wife , would have got a more complete and definitive answer by asking her Occy health provider about this and they would have come back with a much better answer than anyone on here who isnt a medical professional could give you.


That, my friend, is how simple it is.

There is only one person on this thread who has got a bit personal and that's you! With your rude comment "she, sorry wife" So what does that say about you my friend!

You don't deserve my time and effort to get involved in your rudeness!!

AND THAT RIGHT THERE IS AS SIMPLE AS IT GETS

 

[455driver]

So are you saying because I took a course of steroids once that I should never apply to work on the trains?

My now 20 year old son applied to the RAF (ground staff) a couple of years ago and was declared permanently medically unfit because he had a course of steroids when he was born, so it can happen.

he is doing a half marathon in a few weeks so isnt exactly unfit!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

OP: Ignore what's been said so far. Your medical history is to do with yourself and the occupational health doctor. If you are quite confident that all traces of the anabolic steroids are out of your system and you're not going to use them again then go ahead and apply. If not, have a confidential discussion between yourself and the OH department. The OH department will not inform your employer of any of your medical details, but only if you are fit to work or otherwise.

 

[plastictaffy]

you on them too? Doh!

Look back at almost every post that Couttsy posted, that's exactly the way he spelt it. You shoulda gone to Specsavers, my friend!!!! I always thought it was spelt SterOId, not SterIOd............

 

[Red18]

Look back at almost every post that Couttsy posted, that's exactly the way he spelt it. You shoulda gone to Specsavers, my friend!!!! I always thought it was spelt SterOId, not SterIOd............

Ahh, I see what you did there, fair point, my bad.
Though I'm not sure the word 'shoulda' or the use of multiple exclamation marks is grammatically correct either but I'll check with the optician when I visit
Please note, I'm from Yorkshire so English is my second language.

 

[Couttsy]

Look back at almost every post that Couttsy posted, that's exactly the way he spelt it. You shoulda gone to Specsavers, my friend!!!! I always thought it was spelt SterOId, not SterIOd............

Well I'm shocked that my OP would end up me being attacked about my grammar and spelling. It was a simple question that required an answer!

Easy one would think! Well not on the rail forum. It turned into quite a debate, and I'm all for debates as I run a weekly debate night for our young people.

Well before you start to attack me some more about my grammar and spelling, I'm dyslexic!! so my apologies for this as I have to always work hard reading and writing but I think I get by thank you and I also feel I've held my own here and presented myself better than some of you guys, not all by the way as some nice people on here.

To the 2 of you who think its ok to make fun of someone's spelling and grammar instead of a polite bit of advice on it, shame on you! Your social skills should be tested before you next go to work as I'm sure the rail industry would not be proud of you boys.

So don't try and Judge me, you couldn't handle half of what I've dealt with!

I've stood on a stage and given a 45 minute motivational speech to 300 young people, not once or twice but at least 6 occasions. I've given 11 corporate motivational speeches up and down the country. I have a fitness instructor level 2 and also reps level 3 in personal training!

I can guarantee you, your education was a higher level than mine!

My goal is helping young people achieve their goals in turn helping me achieve mine.

I want to inspire people! I'm happy if one young person or in fact any person says to me because of you I didn't give up!
Don't worry about any written test I ever take it just means I work so so much harder because I want it!

So enough of your grammar, spelling and specsaver jokes. You never know one day it could be your child whom is picked on! If your parents, be a role model for your kids, don't teach them it's ok to take the p..s without thought...

Now I understand their may well be people going to attack me a bit more for my reaction.

My reaction is to teach educated people that ignorance plays no part in today's society!

I have a business card and on my business card it says - Its you destiny to feel good..

So stop trying to put people down and concentrate on your goals! I can tell you it's a great feeling and you can take it to work with you, your company will also love it and it's infectious to your work colleagues and passes on to your passengers! What a great place to work. Now this sounds like a place I want to work.

I don't need a job on the trains! I Want to work on the trains. I'm not going to work for the wage I'm off to work for Virgin trains. Now theirs a man who inspires me!

Rant over and fingers crossed no more digs to what was a simple question in my OP

 

[Clip]

There is only one person on this thread who has got a bit personal and that's you! With your rude comment "she, sorry wife" So what does that say about you my friend!

You don't deserve my time and effort to get involved in your rudeness!!

AND THAT RIGHT THERE IS AS SIMPLE AS IT GETS

Dont know why you're so huffy, I corrected myself because you said you would prefer me to call her your wife and not she and now you're having a go at me, you're pretty touchy about this.

 

[Couttsy]

Dont know why you're so huffy, I corrected myself because you said you would prefer me to call her your wife and not she and now you're having a go at me, you're pretty touchy about this.

From previous comment it's clear to see how you meant it Clip! In you next comment you could have just put wife but you didn't because you couldn't resist a little dig.

But hey I guess I'm touchy your opinion not mine my friend

Let's agree to disagree and move on

 

[gogogirl]

First of all allow me to apologise in advance for any grammatical errors that may be found in my post as they seem to offend some members of this forum.

What is wrong with you guys? A guy comes on to this forum to ask a perfectly civil and reasonable question and is character assassinated and belittled by you. He didn't ask for your moral judgement on the subject just simply whether it would affect his employment. I would love to think you were all whiter than white but I live in the real world. Two things. Firstly, you have misunderstood the post massively in that the op wants to be a driver. He quite clearly states he wants to apply as csa which on virgin trains is not safety critical. Yes we are drug tested as any railway employee but talking of attacking passengers and going through red signals is irrelevant and unnecessary. Secondly, if you attack somebody human nature generally means they will attack back whether they have taken steroids or not so stop trying to CREATE credence to your objections. I suppose some of you will probably be a little insecure of a guy who clearly works out and probably use these forums to say things you wouldn't dare say in person.

Good luck couttsy I hope you are successful in joining virgin trains they are the best toc IMOand fantastic to work for. Pity you missed Richard's party tho.

 

[ComUtoR]

I still think your missing the point of the actual OP!

By time if I went forward with the application and was accepted then steriods would be out of my system and as I clearly state I'm not using them again!

So are you saying because I took a course of steriods once that I should never apply to work on the trains?

Your OP was responded to and resolved pretty much within the first few posts, then, as forums tend to, it evolved. Rightly so.

I am not saying you shouldnt apply, nor am I saying you shouldn't get employed. However; I am saying that because you have been on steriods before then certain steps should be taken. I am also saying that if the employer choses not to employ then they are justified in doing so I am also saying that if then employer does employ and puts various caveats in place then they are justified in doing so.

The railway is one of those sectors that risk is higher and liability is higher and to reitterate. I fully affirm that stricter reglulations in this sector are very important and have my full support.

As to specifics to your case. You have your answers as previous posters have posted. We all have to take personal responsibility for our past actions they do affect our future and will build various barriers. Many people lose their jobs for seemingly insignificant things and irrespective of how many others do the same each employer has the right to set employment criteria. If I was convicted of a drink driving offense then I can be assured that any employer that requires a clean licence wouldn't employ me. Drug use (even one recently stopped) has implications. Like it or not. It will affect future employment in various sector.

 

[Couttsy]

Well this morning I booked an appointment at the pump clinic for a free drugs test for next week. The pump clinic is fantastic and gives free drug tests and great advice for its service users.

If my test showes up clear then I will not be declaring any steriod use in my past as a comment advised me I don't have to. And I will continue applying for on board csa positions, if it's not clear then I will postpone any applications until such time I become clear!

I thank you for all your comments and respect all your opinions (apart from one). I will keep the forum updated with my progress.

I will leave you with a quote from my great mentor and motivator:

"How you see your future is much more important than what happened in your past" ZIG ZIGLAR. R.I.P

My own words: Its your destiny to feel good.
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First of all allow me to apologise in advance for any grammatical errors that may be found in my post as they seem to offend some members of this forum.

What is wrong with you guys? A guy comes on to this forum to ask a perfectly civil and reasonable question and is character assassinated and belittled by you. He didn't ask for your moral judgement on the subject just simply whether it would affect his employment. I would love to think you were all whiter than white but I live in the real world. Two things. Firstly, you have misunderstood the post massively in that the op wants to be a driver. He quite clearly states he wants to apply as csa which on virgin trains is not safety critical. Yes we are drug tested as any railway employee but talking of attacking passengers and going through red signals is irrelevant and unnecessary. Secondly, if you attack somebody human nature generally means they will attack back whether they have taken steroids or not so stop trying to CREATE credence to your objections. I suppose some of you will probably be a little insecure of a guy who clearly works out and probably use these forums to say things you wouldn't dare say in person.

Good luck couttsy I hope you are successful in joining virgin trains they are the best toc IMOand fantastic to work for. Pity you missed Richard's party tho.

Gogogirl. God bless you and thank you for those kind words, and for your support.

I look forward to jumping on board and joining a great team and toc, whom I have researched and clearly meet what I want from my employer. If things don't go to plan then I will also be applying for the same position with other tocs.

Which ever toc I end up with(fingers crossed) I can guarantee my previous steriod use will not effect my customer care skills and my smile will make another person smile that will make another person smile, so on and so on.

I look forward to Richards next party haha

 

[Clip]

First of all allow me to apologise in advance for any grammatical errors that may be found in my post as they seem to offend some members of this forum.

What is wrong with you guys? A guy comes on to this forum to ask a perfectly civil and reasonable question and is character assassinated and belittled by you. He didn't ask for your moral judgement on the subject just simply whether it would affect his employment. I would love to think you were all whiter than white but I live in the real world. Two things. Firstly, you have misunderstood the post massively in that the op wants to be a driver. He quite clearly states he wants to apply as csa which on virgin trains is not safety critical. Yes we are drug tested as any railway employee but talking of attacking passengers and going through red signals is irrelevant and unnecessary. Secondly, if you attack somebody human nature generally means they will attack back whether they have taken steroids or not so stop trying to CREATE credence to your objections. I suppose some of you will probably be a little insecure of a guy who clearly works out and probably use these forums to say things you wouldn't dare say in person.

Good luck couttsy I hope you are successful in joining virgin trains they are the best toc IMOand fantastic to work for. Pity you missed Richard's party tho.

I think what you will find from some of us is severe caution from any advice from someone who comes on here and states that they have used Class C drugs for recreation purposes only and not for any medicinal purpose.

This raises concerns for not only their own safety but for those on the railway as a whole, both staff and passengers. Yes we have to take on face value that the OP has said he wont be taking them again but as we dont know them, their nature or demeanor - and it comes across as very VERY tetchy when challenged or spoken to on some issues just through the words typed on here - then we still have to err on the side of caution.

A note about his tetchyness, my comment about asking his wife about the information and calling her she, which is harmless, got a barrage back and I was accused of being rude. I was not.

So in this one instance I have to come to the conclusion that the OP seems quite adept to misunderstand things and takes offence with quite some ease. If this is the case then a CSA role is not going to be for them given the amount of abuse that is intentionally hurled at them from time to time by the travelling pubic. If an outburst such as that on here, what will they be like in a face to face situation that gets heated very quickly?


It doesnt matter what role you take on in the railway be that a cleaner, driver or even and MD - safety comes first and foremost. If you think that is wrong, then maybe the railway isnt for you.

 

[Couttsy]

I think what you will find from some of us is severe caution from any advice from someone who comes on here and states that they have used Class C drugs for recreation purposes only and not for any medicinal purpose.

This raises concerns for not only their own safety but for those on the railway as a whole, both staff and passengers. Yes we have to take on face value that the OP has said he wont be taking them again but as we dont know them, their nature or demeanor - and it comes across as very VERY tetchy when challenged or spoken to on some issues just through the words typed on here - then we still have to err on the side of caution.

A note about his tetchyness, my comment about asking his wife about the information and calling her she, which is harmless, got a barrage back and I was accused of being rude. I was not.

So in this one instance I have to come to the conclusion that the OP seems quite adept to misunderstand things and takes offence with quite some ease. If this is the case then a CSA role is not going to be for them given the amount of abuse that is intentionally hurled at them from time to time by the travelling pubic. If an outburst such as that on here, what will they be like in a face to face situation that gets heated very quickly?


It doesnt matter what role you take on in the railway be that a cleaner, driver or even and MD - safety comes first and foremost. If you think that is wrong, then maybe the railway isnt for you.

I'm a project worker, supporting young vulnerable people with many issues, who by the way challenge you just as bad as any situation I could come across as a on board csa!

I have been spat at in my face before today and also been punched by a young person and never retaliated in any other way as doing my job has detailed in its desciption.
I have done door supervision for many a year and trust me I've dealt with plenty of people in the correct manner as the job requires never once has my integrity come into question! I think and hope that's my mental health dealt with.



I've also dealt with young people pushing for arguments just like you are doing now? So bait not taken today thank you! so reel in your line as nothing on the hook mate!

OP was a question I asked about a situation I was telling the truth about so my friend I have no reason to tell porkys about me not taking any more Steroids!

If you would like me to start another thread on how to handle heated situations in an experienced way then that's fine we can do that if you wish!

In fact my companies policy and procedure involving this was updated and has a nice section that was actually written after I had been asked to advise on it!


One could actuly turn this round and say it seems to be you who is getting a bit tetchy but I won't!!

Clip I think in my OP and any following comment you should find I at any stage have not informed you why I used Steriods, recreational or medicinal so please don't just assume because I'm sure just assuming can get you in bother in your industry.

Have a great week Clip and last reply to you from me mate! Before I SNAP haha

 

[leigh1990]

is this an old thread?

 

[Couttsy]

is this an old thread?

Just a couple days old
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Can I just say thank you for private messages I received.
It shows what great people there is in the rail industry