When it comes to workplace education, induction training is one of the most important opportunities you have. This is your chance to start new employees on the right foot, outline your expectations, and make it clear that safety is a top priority.
Among the many topics that need to be covered in an induction, workplace drug and alcohol education is one of the most essential. Why? Because drugs and alcohol can have a major impact on workplace safety, performance, and wellbeing. Addressing the risks from day one sets the tone for a safe, productive culture.
So, what should your drug and alcohol induction training cover?
Here are the top five topics every workplace should include
Your workplace drug and alcohol policy
The first step is to introduce your company’s policy. Every employee should leave induction training with a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
Cover the basics, such as:
- Your responsibilities as an employer and the responsibilities of employees
- Details about your drug and alcohol testing program
- What substances are prohibited
- What support is available if someone needs help
- The consequences of breaching the policy
By starting here, you make it clear that workplace drug and alcohol education is not just about compliance. It’s about keeping everyone safe and looking out for one another.
The effects of drugs and alcohol on safety
Employees need to understand why your policy exists. Too often, people underestimate the impact of drugs and alcohol on their ability to work safely.
Education should highlight:
- How reaction times slow under the influence
- The impact on decision-making and concentration
- The increased risk of accidents in high-risk environments like transport, construction, aviation, manufacturing and mining
Explaining these effects in simple, real-world terms helps employees connect the policy to their everyday tasks. It moves the conversation from rules and regulations to shared responsibility.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications
Workplace drug and alcohol education is not just about illegal drugs and alcohol. Medications, both prescribed and over the counter, can also affect a person’s ability to work safely.
Induction training should stress the importance of:
- Checking labels on medications for warnings about drowsiness or impaired performance
- Talking to a doctor or pharmacist if unsure
- Informing a supervisor if medication use could impact safety
This is an area many employees aren’t aware of, yet it can be just as risky as alcohol or illicit drugs. Giving employees practical advice can prevent accidents and encourage open communication.
The testing process
Drug and alcohol testing is an important part of many workplace safety programs. However, new employees may not know what to expect, particularly if they haven’t faced testing before.
Induction training should cover several key areas. For example:
- When and how testing may occur (e.g., pre-employment, random, post-incident, and cause)
- What the testing process involves
- The rights of employees during testing, including privacy, confidentiality and the right to refuse testing
- How non-negative test results are managed
- The consequences for failing or refusing testing
By explaining the process upfront, you reduce anxiety and create transparency. Employees understand that testing is not about catching people out, but about protecting everyone and improving safety.
Support and education pathways
Finally, induction training should provide information about support. Employees need to know that if they are struggling, help is available.
This could include:
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Counselling services
- Referral pathways to external support services
When you combine testing and policies with education and support, you show that your organisation is committed to safety and wellbeing. It’s not about punishment—it’s about prevention, protection, and care.
Why workplace drug and alcohol education matters from day one
Workplace drug and alcohol education works best when it starts early. Induction training is the ideal time to send a clear, consistent message. Employees learn that your workplace values safety, that support is available, and that every person has a role in maintaining a safe environment.
The five topics above create a foundation for safe behaviour and open communication. By including them in your induction program, you don’t just meet compliance requirements—you create a safer, stronger workplace culture.
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Build safety from day one. Discover the top 5 topics every workplace should include in induction training for effective workplace drug and alcohol education.
