Failing workplace alcohol testing in Western Australia can have serious implications, including disciplinary action or job loss. Similarly, failing an alcohol test on the roadside can also have significant penalties. However, as a recent tragic incident in Perth highlights, the real consequences of alcohol use can be far worse. Losing your job or your licence is significant. Losing a life—whether your own or someone else’s—is devastating and irreversible.
A tragic reminder of the dangers of alcohol
Recently, ABC News reported on a court case involving a female driver in the Kimberly region, who was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of a pedestrian in 2022. The 18-year-old driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. She was reportedly driving at nearly double the legal alcohol limit when she struck and killed the pedestrian.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents. While failing an alcohol test at work or on the roadside might result in immediate consequences, the greater risk is what could happen if an impaired person drives, operates machinery or makes critical errors that lead to injury or death.
Mixing alcohol and drugs: A lethal combination
It’s also worth highlighting in the Kimberly incident that the 18-year-old driver was also found to have had cannabis in her system at the time of the accident.
The dangers of alcohol are well-documented, but when combined with drugs—whether legal or illegal—the risks are significantly amplified. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF), polydrug use can have unpredictable and dangerous effects, including:
- Increased impairment
- Higher risk of overdose
- Greater likelihood of aggressive or reckless behavior
For example, combining alcohol with depressants like opioids or benzodiazepines can dangerously slow breathing and heart rate, increasing the risk of unconsciousness or death. Stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine mixed with alcohol can mask intoxication levels, leading individuals to underestimate their impairment and take dangerous risks, such as driving.
Preventing workplace tragedies in WA
Employers have a duty to protect their workforce, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through robust drug and alcohol management policies. Integrity Sampling provides workplace drug and alcohol testing services across Western Australia to help businesses maintain a safe environment for employees and the wider community.
With 10 locations across WA, including Perth, Bunbury, Geraldton, and Karratha, Integrity Sampling makes it easy for businesses to implement regular and random testing programs.
Our services in Western Australia include:
- On-site drug and alcohol testing – Ensuring compliance and safety without disrupting operations.
- Education and training – Helping employees understand the risks of substance use and its impact on workplace safety.
- Policy development and support – Assisting businesses in creating and enforcing effective drug and alcohol policies.
The bottom line
Failing an alcohol or drug test at work might feel like the worst-case scenario, but as the tragic case in this blog illustrates, the consequences can be longer lasting. Mixing alcohol and drugs only heightens the risks, making education and proactive testing essential.
By partnering with Integrity Sampling, Western Australian businesses can help prevent workplace accidents, protect their employees and reduce the risk of devastating consequences. Contact one of our 10 WA locations today to learn more about how we can help safeguard your workplace.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
Failing workplace drug or alcohol testing in Western Australia can have serious implications, however, the consequences of substance use can be far worse. Credit Western Australia Police https://www.flickr.com/photos/186104745@N04/49671383292/
