If you’ve just returned to work in 2026, after a well-earned holiday, it’s tempting to try to get back into your normal routine. After clearing your inbox of emails that is! However, before January turns into February and then March, there’s a more important task you should be doing. Now is the right moment to review your approach to workplace drug and alcohol management.
The start of any year is a great time to you review your drug and alcohol management, your policy and procedures. Why? In part because you probably haven’t reviewed your them for over a year, and your policy and procedures are far too important to be sitting on a shelf gathering dust.
But where do you start?
Start 2026 by reviewing your policy
For many, the first and most effective step is a fresh review of their workplace drug and alcohol policy.
Many policies were written years ago and then forgotten. Others no longer reflect how work is actually done. For example, remote work, flexible hours, and prescribed medications are now far more common.
A strong policy should be practical, easy to understand, and aligned with current operations. When reviewing or rewriting your policy for 2026, start by setting clear goals. These usually include:
- Improving safety for all workers
- Meeting legal and WHS obligations
- Encouraging early support and disclosure
- Creating consistent and fair processes
Once your goals are clear, the policy becomes much easier to structure.
Key elements of an effective policy
A well-designed workplace drug and alcohol policy should remove confusion. It should also support managers when they need to act. The following elements are essential:
- Clear purpose and scope. Start by explaining why the policy exists. Emphasise safety, wellbeing, and shared responsibility. Also state who the policy applies to, including contractors and visitors where relevant.
- Defined substances. Clearly outline what is covered. This includes alcohol, illicit drugs, misuse of prescription medication, and other impairing substances. Clarity helps avoid misunderstanding later.
- Testing procedures. Explain how drug and alcohol testing fits into your management approach. This may include pre-employment, random, post-incident, or reasonable suspicion testing. Employees should understand when testing may occur and how it is conducted.
- Roles and responsibilities. Outline what is expected of workers, supervisors, and managers. This creates accountability and ensures consistent decision-making.
- Response to breaches. Explain what happens if someone returns a positive result or refuses a test. Focus on fair process, confidentiality, and reminders that safety comes first.
- Support and assistance. Effective workplace drug and alcohol management includes help, not just rules. Provide information about support services such as Employee Assistance Programs or rehabilitation pathways.
- Education and communication. A policy only works if people understand it. Regular training and refreshers help employees recognise risks and know where to get help.
Policy alone is not enough for good workplace drug and alcohol management
Even the best policy will fail without proper implementation.
Employees need education. Managers need confidence. Workplace drug and alcohol testing must be professional, consistent, and legally defensible.
This is where many workplaces struggle. They may have a document on file, but no real system behind it. As a result, risks go unmanaged until an incident occurs.
How Integrity Sampling can help in 2026
Integrity Sampling supports businesses at every stage of workplace drug and alcohol management. We help employers review, update, and implement policies that suit their industry and workforce.
In addition, we provide reliable drug and alcohol testing services, tailored education sessions, and practical advice for managers. Our focus is always on safety, fairness, and compliance.
Starting 2026 with a clear plan sends a strong message. It shows that safety matters and that support is available. Most importantly, it helps prevent incidents before they occur.
If you want to strengthen your workplace drug and alcohol management approach this year, Integrity Sampling is ready to assist.
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Start 2026 with a stronger approach to workplace drug and alcohol management. Learn why policies, testing, and education matter and how Integrity Sampling can help.
