Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace

A variety of factors, stemming from both the workplace environment and individuals' personal circumstances, influence the ability to work safely. Among these factors, the use of alcohol and other drugs is particularly significant, as it can directly affect a person’s capacity to perform their job safely.

The misuse of alcohol, drugs, and other substances is a concern for everyone in the workplace. Alcohol and other drug use becomes a significant occupational safety and health issue when it impairs a worker’s judgement, coordination, motor skills, concentration, and alertness. This impairment increases the likelihood of injuries or incidents that can affect not only the individual involved but also their colleagues and others present in the workplace.

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs can also have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Addiction and the misuse of alcohol and other drugs do not only affect the individual involved; they also impact those around them. These wide-ranging effects can be categorised as emotional, behavioural, and physical.

Employers

As with any health and safety risk, the responsibility to address drugs, alcohol, and other substance abuse in the workplace rests with everyone.

Employers have a responsibility to manage work-related risks associated with alcohol and other drugs in the workplace. It is essential to address these risks proactively to maintain a safe and productive environment. Employers should ensure, as far as is possible, that workers are free from the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs when reporting for work and whilst at work.

Workplace Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Some organisations choose to implement explicit workplace Alcohol and Other Drugs policies and procedures. This approach is particularly significant in roles where a worker’s impairment could result in serious injury or death to themselves, colleagues, or members of the public.

A formal alcohol and other drugs policy should make it clear to all workers what behaviour is acceptable. The content of an alcohol and drug policy should be based on the identification of hazards, the assessment of workplace risks, and the strategies to address them.

What is included in the policy will depend on the perceived extent of alcohol and drug use, the assessment of the associated risks, and the individual requirements of the workplace. The policy should be incorporated into an existing occupational health and safety policy framework.

Workers’ Responsibilities

Workers must take reasonable care to safeguard their own health and safety and must also ensure they do not put others at risk. Consuming alcohol or illicit drugs while at work is therefore unacceptable and contrary to safe work practices.

It is important that workers arrive at work, and remain throughout their working hours, capable of performing their duties safely. Workers who are unfit for work due to the effects of alcohol or other drugs pose a risk to themselves and others, regardless of whether the substances were consumed inside or outside of the workplace.

Certain jobs, such as those in road and rail transport, maritime, aviation, and mining, are subject to legal regulations regarding blood alcohol levels. In these industries, legislation mandates testing of workers to ensure compliance with safety standards and to minimise risks associated with substance use.

Zenergy eLearning Alcohol & Other Drugs in the Workplace Program

Zenergy has just released the Alcohol & Other Drugs in the Workplace eLearning Course, which is available on the Zenergy Online Training Platform.

This course has been developed to provide learners with an understanding of the dangers associated with alcohol and other drugs in the workplace. It emphasises the significant risks these substances pose and highlights how their misuse can affect an individual's ability to perform work tasks safely.

By raising awareness of these issues, the course aims to ensure that participants recognise the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, free from the influence of alcohol and other drugs.

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Zenergy’s range of eLearning online training programs can help transform your workforce and provide them with job-ready skills to help your business achieve its objectives.

You can also select from a range of eLearning online training topics available, which include Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) and Chain of Responsibility (CoR) on the Zenergy Online Training Platform.

You can find out more about the courses that Zenergy provides on the Zenergy Online Training Platform or, alternatively, reach out to Zenergy on 1300 333 400 or info@zenergygroup.com.au, where we can discuss your needs.