When it comes to the legal alcohol limit on the roads, the answer is simple. Across all Australian states and territories, the general limit is 0.05%. Plus, some drivers—like learners, P-plate drivers, bus drivers, and heavy vehicle operators—must stay at 0.00%.
But what about at work? Is the legal alcohol limit in the workplace also 0.05%? The short answer is… We don’t know! There’s no national workplace alcohol limit set by law. The legal limit depends on your industry, your job, and most importantly, your employer’s specific policy.
Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Limit
Unlike road rules, workplace alcohol limits aren’t covered by a universal law. Australia’s work health and safety legislation requires employers to provide a safe work environment. That means each business must manage the risk of alcohol and drug impairment in a way that suits its operations.
For example:
- Office roles and so-called white collar roles may adopt the familiar 0.05% limit.
- Safety-sensitive environments will have a limit. While generally it will be 0.05%, this is not always the case.
- Some roles within industries, however, will have a lower limit and may even enforce a zero limit. These are industries and roles that you’ll find in, for example, aviation, heavy vehicle transportation, mining, and public transportation sectors.
So, how do you know the limit in your workplace and in your role, so that you don’t fail workplace alcohol testing?
The Importance of a Workplace Alcohol and Drug Policy
Every employer should have a clear, written alcohol and drug policy. This policy outlines expectations, sets limits, and details testing procedures. It also explains consequences if someone breaches the rules.
For employees like you, understanding this policy is critical. You can’t rely on road rules or what limits applied in the last place where you worked. The only “legal limit” that matters is the one stated in your current employer’s policy.
A good policy will include:
- Set out the acceptable alcohol limit (which may be 0.05%, zero or somewhere in between).
- Explain how alcohol testing will occur, such as random or after any workplace incident.
- Explain the consequences and what happens if you fail alcohol testing.
A good policy should also be backed up by good education. Education not only on all the important details form the policy, but also on the risks of coming to work under the influence.
So, if you’re not sure what the alcohol limit is in your workplace, this may indicate that the policy or education isn’t up to scratch. Or, alternatively, you were thinking of what to eat for dinner during that part of the education!
In any case, if you’re not sure, you should ask.
Why Zero Tolerance Sometimes Applies
Most industries and most roles within industries will enforce a 0.05% limit. Stay under this and you’ll pass workplace alcohol testing and be fine. In these roles, you’ll even potentially be okay if you do fail alcohol testing, at least for the first time. You’ll likely receive a warning, further education and support, however you won’t lose your job.
But that’s in some roles. If your job involves flying a plane, driving a heavy vehicle, driving a train, operating a ferry or any role where safety-critical decisions are paramount, even a small amount of alcohol can increase risk. In these cases you’ll likely face a 0.00% limit. And, if you did fail alcohol testing, you’ll likely face losing your job.
It sounds harsh, but it’s about preventing accidents and meeting legal duties under workplace health and safety laws.
After all, would you get on an airplane to go on your next holiday if the pilot wasn’t 0.00%? And would you be comfortable driving beside a B-Double on the highway if you knew the driver had just sunk a couple of schooners at the pub? When you look it at that way, it makes a whole lot of sense!
Staying Safe and Compliant
So if you are an employee and you’re not sure of the alcohol limit in your workplace, ask. If you’re an employer, review your drug and alcohol policy regularly to ensure it meets industry best practices, and ensure your employees know the important details.
Safety in Focus
It’s October and that means it’s National Safe Work Month. The campaign highlights a simple truth: safety isn’t a once-a-year topic—it’s an everyday responsibility. No matter the job or industry, everyone deserves to work without harm.
This week’s focus is controlling risks—a key step in workplace safety. It’s about eliminating hazards – such as the hazard of someone coming to work over 0.05% – or reducing them based on their likelihood and severity.
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The legal alcohol limit for the workplace isn’t one-size-fits-all. Learn why it depends on your industry and workplace policy, and how to stay safe and compliant.
