In Queensland’s warehousing and distribution sector, safety is critical. With forklifts moving goods in tight spaces, trucks being loaded under time pressure, employees manual handling heavy goods and working for heights, the environment is fast-paced and potentially high-risk.
It’s certainly not a place where you want a worker who’s under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Unfortunately, alcohol and drug use is an issue in many Australian workplaces, and warehousing and distribution is no exception. So, what are the most important things your business can do to reduce risks and create a safer workplace?
Here are the three most important actions you can take to improve safety around drugs and alcohol in your Queensland warehousing and distribution workplace.
1. Develop a Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedures
Having a clearly written, well-communicated drug and alcohol policy is essential in any workplace—but especially in one where machinery, vehicles, and people operate side by side.
Your policy should:
- Outline the company’s position on drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
- Set clear expectations around use, impairment, and reporting.
- Include guidelines for prescription medication that could affect safety.
- Detail your drug and alcohol testing process (e.g. when and how drug and alcohol testing may be conducted).
- Outline the disciplinary and support pathways, including access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Crucially, your policy must be legally sound and tailored to your industry. For warehousing and distribution businesses in Queensland, it should reflect your obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and other relevant legislation.
And remember: a policy isn’t a ‘set and forget’ document. It must be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect any changes in legislation, business operations, or risk profile. So, if you haven’t reviewed your policy for a while, now’s the time to dust it off and give it a thorough review.
If you need assistance, Integrity Sampling can work with you to create or review a policy that aligns with your business needs.
2. Educate Your Workforce
Even the best-written policy won’t be effective unless your team understands it—and supports it. That’s where education comes in.
Properly educating your workforce goes well beyond just saying “don’t come to work impaired.” It should:
- Explain why drugs and alcohol are a risk in your specific environment.
- Highlight the effects of substances on reaction time, coordination, and decision-making.
- Address the risks of residual impairment—especially important for night shift workers and weekend drinkers.
- Clarify how prescription medications can impact performance, and the importance of disclosure and fit-for-duty assessments.
- Reinforce the policy and testing procedures, so there are no surprises.
- Promote available support, including mental health resources and EAPs.
Toolbox talks, inductions, posters, and refresher training all help create a culture where safety and support go hand in hand. Education also empowers workers to speak up if they notice signs of impairment in themselves or colleagues, which is vital for fostering a proactive safety culture.
3. Implement Drug and Alcohol Testing in Queensland
Testing is the practical tool that ensures your policy and education efforts are backed by action. It acts as a deterrent, supports early identification of risk, and helps meet your legal duty to manage safety hazards.
Types of testing commonly used in warehousing and distribution include:
- Pre-employment testing, to ensure new hires are fit for the job.
- Random testing, as a routine part of your risk control strategy.
- Post-incident testing, after accidents, near misses, or equipment damage.
- Reasonable cause testing, when there are signs of potential impairment.
- Return-to-work testing, particularly after an incident or time off for substance use treatment.
To avoid legal or industrial relations issues, it’s important that all testing is done fairly, consistently, and in line with Australian standards (AS/NZS 4308 for urine testing and AS/NZS 4760 for oral fluid).
Integrity Sampling offers professional, compliant testing services across Queensland and works closely with warehousing and logistics clients to ensure testing integrates smoothly into day-to-day operations.
Why Partner with Integrity Sampling in Queensland?
There’s one more important thing you need to do to protect your Queensland warehouse business. That’s to find a partner who will guide and support you every step of the way.
At Integrity Sampling, we understand the fast-moving, high-pressure nature of Queensland’s warehousing and distribution industry. That’s why we provide reliable, discreet, and legally compliant testing services to help businesses keep their teams safe and productive.
With eight locations across Queensland, including Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and the Sunshine Coast, we’re positioned to provide rapid-response testing and consulting services across metropolitan, regional, and remote locations.
With more than two decades of experience, we help our clients reduce risk, meet legal obligations, and build a culture where safety is the top priority.
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In Queensland’s fast-paced warehousing sector, there’s no room for drugs or alcohol on the job. With forklifts, manual handling, and tight loading times, even minor impairments can lead to major incidents. Credit National Cancer Institute https://unsplash.com/photos/yellow-driving-forklift-S-3AnKlICmY
