Drug and Alcohol

Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol are estimated to:

• be 4 times more likely to have an accident at work
• account for up to 15% of fatal accidents
• cause 20-25% of all industrial accidents

The management of drugs and alcohol is therefore an important aspect of ensuring workplace safety.

A good drug and alcohol program requires a total view of the problem, and needs to recognise that to implement a straightforward testing and discipline regime may be regarded as outdated at best, and draconian at worst.

The following are key elements of a good program:

• A clear and communicated Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Identification and control (where possible) of workplace ‘stressors’
• Education and Awareness
• Employee Assistance Programs (including counselling and rehabilitation)

Ensure that drug and alcohol issues are integrated into your existing induction and training programs, and that the policy and associated procedure and assistance measures are well communicated and understood amongst your workforce.

Please refer to the Safety@Work documents listed below for additional details including sample drug and alcohol policies.