You’re the shift manager at a busy manufacturing plant when the unthinkable happens — a forklift crashes into a pallet racking system and it’s serious. Equipment is damaged. Two workers are almost hit.
Alarms ring out. People are panicking. You’re moving quickly, checking everyone is safe. Then, you notice one of the workers involved smells strongly of alcohol. You push the thought aside — maybe it can wait?
But should it?
This is exactly when post-incident drug and alcohol testing becomes critical. In the hours and days ahead, testing may help uncover what happened, reduce future risks, and stop it from happening again.
What Is Post-Incident Drug and Alcohol Testing?
Post-incident drug and alcohol testing happens after a workplace accident, incident, or near-miss — especially when there’s a reason to believe drugs or alcohol may have been involved.
This type of testing isn’t random. It’s triggered by specific events, such as:
- An accident that causes injury or equipment damage
- A safety breach
- A near-miss that could have caused serious harm
- A major behavioural or performance issue tied to an incident
The goal is to find out whether alcohol or drugs contributed to what happened. This helps identify the root cause, ensure people are held accountable, and put the right measures in place to stop similar incidents.
Why Is Post-Incident Testing So Important?
In high-risk industries like construction, transport, mining, logistics, and manufacturing, incidents can have huge consequences. We’re talking about injury, emotional stress, costly damage, legal issues, and reputation loss.
Employers have a legal and moral duty to keep their workplace safe. Post-incident drug and alcohol testing is a vital part of that responsibility.
Here’s why post-incident testing matters:
- Confirms safety risks: Helps determine if drugs or alcohol played a part
- Prevents future incidents: Gives insight to improve systems and training
- Supports legal and insurance needs: Provides facts for investigations and claims
- Reinforces your safety culture: Shows you’re serious about a drug-and alcohol-free workplace
Timing Is Everything
Post-incident drug and alcohol testing must happen fast. The sooner you test, the more accurate and useful the results.
Ideally, testing should happen within hours of the incident. That’s where Integrity Sampling leads the way. Our nationwide team and 24/7 emergency service mean we can carry out testing quickly, often within one to two hours.
Quick action is essential. Delay testing, and you risk losing vital evidence that could determine whether substances were involved.
Testing Methods Used
The two main types of workplace drug testing methods used in Australia are oral fluid or saliva testing, and urine testing.
We recommend saliva testing for all our workplace drug testing, and this certainly applies for post-incident testing. Here’s why:
- It’s less invasive and more comfortable for workers
- Results can be faster
- It detects recent use, which is crucial when timing matters
Saliva testing is ideal when you need to confirm if someone was likely impaired during the incident.
For alcohol, we use professional grade breathalysers. These provide fast and reliable results that show recent alcohol use.
Your Policy Is the Foundation
Post-incident testing must always be backed up by a clear drug and alcohol policy. A strong policy provides direction on:
- When to test
- How and when to approach an employee
- Employee rights during the process
- What happens if someone tests positive
A solid policy protects your business. It keeps your processes consistent and reduces the chance of legal issues. Integrity Sampling can help review or create a policy that meets your legal and operational needs.
Respect and Privacy Matter
While safety is the top priority, how you carry out testing also matters. Employees must be treated with dignity and respect.
Our technicians are trained to work with care, professionalism, and empathy. We ensure privacy, maintain confidentiality, and handle all results securely. At the same time, we follow strict safety protocols — especially when testing in high-risk environments.
Beyond the Test: What Happens Next
Testing is just the beginning. After the test, employers must act. That may include:
- Investigating and reporting on the incident
- Deciding if drugs or alcohol contributed
- Taking disciplinary or support actions if needed
- Reviewing workplace policies and culture
- Offering education or rehabilitation support
A complete approach — from incident to recovery — helps reduce risk and protects your people.
Why Choose Integrity Sampling?
Integrity Sampling is Australia’s leading drug and alcohol testing provider. We offer:
- A large national network for fast response almost anywhere in the country
- 24/7 emergency service
- Support for policy development and training
- Professional, accredited technicians and trusted testing methods
We do more than just test — we help businesses build safer workplaces.
Post-Incident Drug and Alcohol Testing Summary
Post-incident drug and alcohol testing isn’t about blame — it’s about prevention. It’s a key part of any serious safety culture. It shows you care about your team and are committed to reducing future risks.
With a clear policy, fast response, and expert support from Integrity Sampling, your business can be ready for whatever comes next.
Need help preparing your business for incidents? Talk to the Integrity Sampling team — we’re here 24/7.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
If there’s been an accident, near-miss or safety breach in your workplace, and you suspect drugs or alcohol might be involved, post incident testing isn’t optional — it’s essential.
