While it might be nearly two months until Christmas, if you’re an employer now is a great time to run sessions on drug and alcohol education. Because whether you’re adding new people to your organisation in the lead up to a busier period or are planning festive season social events, there’s perhaps no time like the lead up to Christmas to remind all workers of the risks of alcohol and drugs.
Alcohol and drug use increases at this time of year
Why is the lead up to the festive season a prime time to hold drug and alcohol education sessions?
Perhaps not surprisingly, people are more likely to drink more alcohol and take drugs around times like Christmas than at other times of the year. The festive season often brings more social gatherings, parties and a relaxed atmosphere, which can encourage higher levels of drinking and drug taking.
This is supported by data showing that Australians often exceed recommended drinking limits around this time. A significant number of adults are found to consume 5 or more standard drinks in a single session during the year, with this behavior peaking around the festive season.
While this is somewhat understandable, from a workplace safety aspect it can be concerning. With an increase in alcohol consumption and drug taking, the chances of someone coming to work under the influence increases. This can greatly increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
What can you do to protect your workplace?
For some businesses, the increase in festive season drinking and drug taking can come at a time when business is ramping up. They may have new seasonal or casual people who have joined their organisation, which can further increase the risk.
So, what can you do about it?
- While educating your workforce about drugs and alcohol is important at any time, the lead-up to the festive season and summer are especially critical. It’s the perfect time to remind employees that it’s essential to stay safe and avoid driving or coming to work under the influence. Most employees aim to make responsible choices and reminders can help reinforce this.
- In this drug and alcohol education, highlight the risks associated with excessive drinking or drug use, such as still having alcohol or drugs in the system the following day, even after a night of rest.
- Also provide workers with a summary of your company’s drug and alcohol policy, what is expected of them and consequences of policy violations.
- If your workplace conducts drug and alcohol testing, provide details about the process. Inform employees when testing might occur, how it’s carried out and explain why testing is conducted, emphasising the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring the wellbeing of everyone.
In addition to drug and alcohol education, there are other things you can do to protect your business:
- Implement or increase your level of workplace drug and alcohol testing. Implementing a robust workplace drug testing program as part of your broader occupational health and safety strategy is essential in mitigating the risks associated with drugs in the workplace. As well as enhancing safety and protecting your business, drug and alcohol testing can contribute to reducing absenteeism, boost overall productivity and foster a healthier work environment.
- If you’re organising work social events in the lead up to Christmas, make them safe work parties. For example, offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, plan alcohol-free activities or entertainment, serve food throughout the event and make sure sure all guests can get home safely.
For more advice on how your workplace can protect itself from the dangers of drugs and alcohol, contact Integrity Sampling today.
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Tis the season for social events… And for an increase in drug and alcohol education sessions in the workplace.
