Does your business have a workplace drugs and alcohol policy? If you have a policy, does it sit on the shelf gathering dust or do you regularly act on the policy?
Why is it essential to have a workplace drugs and alcohol policy?
There are many valid reasons why having a workplace drugs and alcohol policy is essential and not just a tick-the-box exercise. In addition, it’s vital that your policy doesn’t just sit on the shelf and why acting on the policy and conducting regular drug and alcohol testing is a must.
Here are just a few:
- In some industries, if your business doesn’t have a workplace drugs and alcohol policy you won’t even get be able to get on another business’ site.
- If an employee who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol has an accident and is injured or killed while at work, from a legal standpoint a workplace drugs and alcohol policy is vital. You’ll be asked to show your policy and demonstrate how you act upon and police the policy.
- If you don’t have a workplace drugs and alcohol policy, how will your employees know what’s expected of them?
- How will you deal with an incident, such as an employee turning up to work when under the influence?
Your workplace drugs and alcohol policy should clearly detail the responsibilities of everyone, including management and employees. It should include details such as what type testing you conduct and how often, the procedure for when an employee is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the procedure for positive tests, disciplinary action for an employee who records a positive test, how employees are educated on their responsibilities and what support is available.
Call in the experts
If you need help to develop your workplace drugs and alcohol policy, contact Integrity Sampling. We can help with all aspects of policy and procedure development. We can also assist with education of employees and management and, of course, conduct drug and alcohol testing at your workplace.
Give Integrity Sampling a call on 1300 SALIVA today to discuss your needs.
