In today’s work environment, ensuring safety and productivity is a top priority for any business. Which is why, if you operate a workplace in Tasmania, you should have a drug and alcohol policy.
Drug and alcohol use, even when it occurs outside of work hours, can impact an employee’s performance, judgment and the overall safety of the workplace. For businesses in Tasmania, having a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a safer, more productive work environment.
In this article, we’ll explore why implementing a drug and alcohol policy is a smart move for Tasmanian businesses, from reducing workplace hazards to supporting employee well-being and protecting your company’s bottom line.
Why is a drug and alcohol policy important?
Even if employees consume drugs (including prescribed and over the counter medication) or alcohol outside of work hours, the effects can carry over, impacting judgment, coordination, focus and alertness on the job. This can lead to workplace incidents, injuries (to themselves or others), equipment damage, increased absenteeism and decreased productivity.
Therefore, managing drugs and alcohol, is simply smart business sense. It’s good for safety, good for absenteeism and good for productivity. It’s good for the bottom line.
From a safety perspective alone, you have responsibilities under workplace health and safety laws and industrial manslaughter laws to manage safety. Part of this responsibility is managing drugs and alcohol in your Tasmania workplace, which starts with a robust and detailed drug and alcohol policy.
What should your Tasmania drug and alcohol policy cover?
While your policy should clearly state that drugs and alcohol are not permitted in the workplace, it should go well beyond that.
Your policy should highlight the dangers of people who are affected by drugs and alcohol in a workplace. This includes some prescription and over-the-counter medications. It should emphasise your commitment to safeguarding workplace health and safety. And it should include measures for reducing or eliminating drugs and alcohol from the workplace. This includes procedures and disciplinary actions for employees who are found using or possessing these substances at work or working while impaired by them.
Find out more about what you should include in your drug and alcohol policy.
Having a drug and alcohol policy is just the first step
Writing a drug and alcohol policy is just the first step.
After your policy has been developed and at regular intervals, ensure all employees are aware of and understand the policy. Share it via email, provide printed copies, display it on notice boards, discuss it during staff meetings and training sessions, and include it in your induction program for new hires.
It’s also vital that you consistently and fairly follow your drug and alcohol policy. This is particularly important when it comes to any drug and alcohol testing that you carry out and disciplinary actions for people who breach your policy.
Get help with your drug and alcohol policy
If you need assistance developing a drug and alcohol policy, help is at hand. You can find valuable resources on the WorkSafe Tasmania website and you can reach out to Integrity Sampling.
We provide a total workplace drug and alcohol management solution, including the development of policies, workplace drug testing, workplace alcohol testing and education.
Contact Integrity Sampling today.
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If you operate a business in Tasmania, your workplace should have a drug and alcohol policy.
