Drug and alcohol management for your Queensland workplace a must
If safety is a priority in your Queensland workplace, then having a robust drug and alcohol management plan is not just important, it’s an absolute essential.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has put together a document that outlines how you can develop a plan to reduce your work-related risks associated with drug and alcohol use. According to the introduction of the Framework for alcohol and drug management in the workplace, the document is applicable to all Queensland workplaces, including industries such as rail, passenger transport, heavy vehicle transport, mining and aviation.
So let’s take a look at some of the key points, so you can improve the drug and alcohol management of your Queensland business.
- Alcohol and drug policy. An excellent starting point for drug and alcohol management in any Queensland workplace is an alcohol and drug policy, based on the identification of hazards and the specific risks associated with your workplace. An effective alcohol and drug policy will include details on areas such as aims and objectives, workplace specific risks, work sponsored functions and identification of affected workers.
- Risk assessment. Drug and alcohol management isn’t a one size fits all solution. It needs to be tailored to the risk associated with your workplace.
- Open consultation with management, employees and their representatives is vital to ensure success of drug and alcohol management in your Queensland workplace.
- Education and awareness. It’s no good having an alcohol and drug policy if it just sits on the shelf. Educating and informing all people in your Queensland business about the policy and the risks of drugs and alcohol in the workplace is a vital part of any drug and alcohol management plan.
- Regular evaluation of the policy is also important.
- Drug and alcohol testing in your Queensland workplace should always be considered as part of a drug and alcohol management plan. The method of testing, testing triggers, management of positive tests, confirmation testing and disciplinary procedures need to be detailed in your Queensland drug and alcohol policy.
- Employee assistance programs. Supporting employees who are having issues with drugs or alcohol with professional and confidential counselling and referral services is another key aspect of a robust drug and alcohol management plan for your Queensland workplace.
Get help to develop your Queensland drug and alcohol management
Integrity Sampling Queensland can help you with all aspects of developing and improving your drug and alcohol management. This includes the development of alcohol and drug policies, education and, of course, drug and alcohol testing. To find out more, contact Integrity Sampling on 1300 SALIVA.
Read the full document: View Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s ‘Framework for alcohol and drug management in the workplace’.
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Drug and alcohol management for your Queensland workplace (e.g. rail, passenger transport, heavy vehicle transport, mining and aviation) is a must if safety is a priority. Credit John Skewes https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnske/9605489892/