One of the questions we frequently get asked is about drug and alcohol policy development, and specifically, how do I develop a drug and alcohol policy for my Victorian or Australian business?
Fair enough, as it can be a daunting task if you’re starting from scratch and never developed a drug and alcohol policy before. Thankfully, there is help at hand, from organisations such as Integrity Sampling (yes, we can help you with policy development as well as conduct testing) and from government departments such as WorkSafe Victoria. They have an excellent guide for developing a workplace drug and alcohol policy, which is a must read for all Victorian businesses.
Guide for developing a workplace alcohol and other drugs policy – WorkSafe Victoria
WorkSafe Victoria’s Guide for developing a workplace alcohol and other drugs policy looks at areas such as:
- Legal obligations
- Employer duties
- Employee duties
- The risk management process
- The development of a drug and alcohol policy for your Victorian workplace
- Workplace drug and alcohol testing
- Employee assistance programs
- Confidentiality
- Education
While WorkSafe Victoria’s guide focuses largely on the reduction of health and safety, as well as legal risks that drugs and alcohol can pose to any workplace, as the guide’s introduction spells out, it’s not just those areas that can be affected.
“Alcohol and other drug use, whether it occurs in or away from the workplace, becomes an occupational health and safety issue if an employee’s ability to exercise judgment, coordination, motor control, concentration and alertness at work is impaired. Employees unfit for work as a result of alcohol or other drug use put themselves and other people at the workplace at risk of harm. Co-workers may feel obliged to cover unsafe work practices or not report an affected employee due to loyalty or fear of consequence.
“Employers may be faced with lateness, inefficiency and absenteeism, lost time and production as a result of accidents, damage to plant, equipment and other property.”
Get support to develop a drug and alcohol policy for your Victorian business
To view and download the guide, go to the WorkSafe Victoria website. To find out how Integrity Sampling can help you, with developing a drug and alcohol policy, conducting drug and alcohol testing, education or other drug and alcohol management, go to the Services tab on the Integrity Sampling website.
