PEth in occupational healthcare
PEth, which measures a person's alcohol consumption as part of health checks and work ability assessments, has been in the news in recent days, particularly from a data protection perspective. At Terveystalo, we use the test responsibly and for about five years it has been part of the toolbox of our occupational health clients for certain mandatory or voluntary health checks and in situations where there is reason to suspect a substance use disorder. As like any other health data, we never give the PEth result to the employer.
Substance abuse problems are relatively common, as various studies indicate that nearly half of working-age men and a quarter of women consume excessive amounts of alcohol. As many as 70 percent of individuals with alcohol dependence are part of the workforce. Excessive alcohol use poses a significant health and safety risk. According to statistics, it is a contributing factor in 20–25% of fatal traffic accidents, and alcohol-related causes rank among the most common causes of death in the working-age population. According to a report by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and EHYT (Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention), alcohol cost Finnish employers at least 500 million euros in losses in 2022. These included reduced work performance, sickness absences, and workplace accidents.
"Heavy alcohol consumption affects sleep quality, causing daytime fatigue and decreased alertness. It can lead to irritability, social problems — including within the work community—and contribute to depression and anxiety. In addition, alcohol is linked to numerous diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. Therefore, it is difficult to justify not screening alcohol use as part of occupational health care. Excessive alcohol use is harmful even if it occurs entirely during leisure time,” says Pauliina Passila, Chief Occupational Health Physician at Terveystalo.
The Occupational Health Care Act (1383/2001) defines that the role of occupational health care is to prevent work-related illnesses and accidents and to promote employees’ health and work ability. Thus, occupational health services must also identify and prevent health risks related to substance use.
“The content of health examinations is determined by occupational health care. The use of PEth testing as part of occupational health check-ups is documented in the occupational health care action plan. This particular test is one way for us to assess a person’s suitability for a position and whether alcohol use affects their work ability. Clients receive preparation instructions before laboratory tests associated with occupational health examinations, and if PEth testing is included, they are informed of this as part of the instructions. Naturally, we never share PEth results or any other health data with the employer. We only provide the employer with an assessment of the individual’s suitability for the position or, when evaluating work ability, whether adjustments to work may be necessary,” Passila explains.
The PEth test provides professionals with objective data on alcohol use, which the individual may unknowingly underestimate or intentionally conceal.
“The results help lower the threshold for discussing substance use with the individual and motivate or guide at-risk users and those with alcohol dependence toward support and treatment. Intervention is important not only for the individual's well-being but also from the organization's perspective, as heavy alcohol use increases sickness absences, raises the risk of disability pension and unemployment, and lowers productivity. It is in everyone’s best interest to intervene at an early stage,” Passila emphasizes.
