An extensive survey of nearly 10,000 Australian workers has found that more than 5% of people admit to having worked under the influence of alcohol. In addition, one in 50 or 2% confessed to attending work affected by a psychoactive drug.
The survey by the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction also found that approximately 9% of workers admit to drinking alcohol at work and nearly 1% usually used drugs at work. The rates were higher in some industries, such as hospitality and construction. Stress, poor supervision, boring job roles, isolation, long work hours, workplace culture and shift work are amongst the reasons given by people for abusing alcohol and drugs at work.
While the figures are reflective of alcohol and drug use in the community, the survey is a particular concern to workplace owners and managers and highlights the dangers that people pose to themselves and others.
A comprehensive drug and alcohol management program and policy, workplace education and a robust drug and alcohol testing regime are amongst the measures experts recommend to protect individuals and workplaces. If you’d like to discuss the steps you can take to protect your business from the dangers of alcohol and drug use in the workplace, contact Integrity Sampling today.
