Do you own or manage a business in Victoria? Have you ever considered implementing drug testing in your workplace, but don’t know if you should or even can?
As highlighted in WorkSafe Victoria’s Guide for developing a workplace alcohol and other drugs policy, there is no provision in the OHS Act and Regulations that mandates or prohibits drug testing in workplaces. However, there are some workplaces where drug testing is required. This includes, for example, those working under the Building Code 2016.
So, in general, most workplaces are not required to implement drug testing. So, the question is, should you?
A key factor in deciding whether you should or shouldn’t introduce drug testing in your Victorian workplace is the type of work undertaken in your business. Or, more correctly, the risks involved. As the WorkSafe guide puts it: “When considering the introduction of alcohol or drug testing, employers should ensure workplace policies and programs are appropriate to the level of risk by doing a risk assessment.”
Broadly speaking, if your Victorian workplace is safety critical (think transportation, manufacturing, mining, aviation, etc.) then you most certainly should implement drug testing. In fact, in these and other workplaces, you could argue that you are compelled to conduct drug testing. That’s because in all Victorian and Australian workplaces, you are legally obligated to ensure the health and safety of employees and others in your workplace. This includes taking steps to reduce the chances of employees coming to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
But, before you run out and organise drug testing in your Victorian workplace, make sure you have a drug and alcohol policy in place. A drug policy that is comprehensive, developed in consultation with employees and promoted clearly to all employees.
Putting together a drug and alcohol policy and conducting drug testing may sound like a big job and it can be, but remember that the cost of not having a policy and not implementing drug testing in your Victorian workplace can be much higher.
We can help with drug testing and more
Integrity Sampling can help you with all aspects of drug and alcohol management, including developing a drug and alcohol policy, providing education to management and employees, and conducting drug testing in your Victorian workplace.
View our Victorian branch page for more information of call us now on 1300 SALIVA to discuss your needs.
See WorkSafe Victoria’s Guide for developing a workplace alcohol and other drugs policy.
Broadly speaking, drug testing in Victorian workplaces may not be compulsory, but in some cases it virtually should be. Credit Bernard Spragg https://www.flickr.com/photos/volvob12b/21891290959/
