From 1 December 2026, Queensland will introduce tougher penalties for drink and drug driving as part of a broader effort to reduce the state’s road toll. While these reforms apply…
Category: Drug and alcohol management
Drug and alcohol management is the important starting point for any business looking to better protect themselves from employees who come to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Cocaine in the workplace on the rise
What are “nose beers” and “nose candy”, and what do they have to do with risk in the workplace? As highlighted by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation in a recent…
The dollars and sense of workplace drug and alcohol management in Tasmania
Warehouse and distribution operations manager Max had a mission. When he stepped into his role at the Tasmanian business two years ago, it was struggling. Rising costs, shrinking margins and…
AI and workplace drug and alcohol management
We all know the big impact that AI and automated systems are having on the world. While much of this is valuable, there are also plenty of concerns, including recent…
Fit for duty or deterring use? Why your drug testing method must match your goal
When it comes to workplace drug and alcohol management, and drug testing in particular, every workplace needs to answer one critical question from the very beginning: What is your goal?…
7 common mistakes companies make with drug and alcohol management
Drug and alcohol management is a critical part of workplace safety, yet many organisations still find it challenging to get right. After more than 25 years working with businesses across…
Why employees stay silent about drugs and alcohol issues in the workplace
You reckon you’re a fair and reasonable boss. You treat people with respect and simply expect your workers to do a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. So,…
Why human error is still the biggest risk for SA councils
From road maintenance crews working on busy streets to waste collection teams navigating tight suburban roads, local government operations in South Australia face constant risk. The environments are dynamic. Conditions…
Why good employees can make bad decisions with alcohol or drugs
“Did you hear that Barry failed drug testing last week,” says one worker at a transportation company. “Really, that’s a surprise. I didn’t realise he was such a bad egg,”…
What makes a great workplace drug and alcohol policy?
Most workplaces have a drug and alcohol policy. But having one and having one that actually works are two very different things. In some organisations, the policy is little more…
Workplace drug trends are changing – is your NT business keeping up?
When it comes to workplace drug and alcohol management, many Northern Territory businesses still rely on old assumptions. They assume certain drugs are the biggest risk. They assume testing alone…
Going to sleep on workplace drug and alcohol management cost one employer $35,000!
When it comes to workplace drug and alcohol management, there are a few non-negotiables that every employer must follow. For example, a workplace must have a clear drug and alcohol…
How workplace drug and alcohol management can reduce accidents
What’s by far the leading cause of accidents in the workplace? Before you start pointing at plant and equipment, or other factors, look at the mirror and start pointing there.…
The real cost of impairment in Australian workplaces
How much do alcohol and drug impairment really cost Australian businesses each year? Most people might guess a few million dollars, maybe even a billion. The reality is staggering: an…
Mad March and Workplace Risk: What South Australian Employers Should Consider
Each year, “Mad March” transforms South Australia into one of the busiest operational periods on the calendar. Festivals, major events, extended trading hours, tourism activity and workforce movement create a…
The true cost of poor drug and alcohol management in Victoria
While safety is the main reason to take drug and alcohol management seriously in a Victorian workplace, it’s not the only motivator. For some businesses, owners and managers, the real…
Workplace drug and alcohol management is everyone’s responsibility
Ask who is responsible for safety in a workplace and most people point straight to management. That response may be convenient, but it’s also incomplete. Workplace safety, including workplace drug…
SafeWork your way to drug and alcohol management in South Australia
We get it. Some South Australian businesses and workplaces in safety-critical environments are still sceptical of the need for drug and alcohol management, and drug and alcohol testing. Especially when…
Workplace Drug and Alcohol Management: A Smarter Focus for 2026
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…
The Cost of Drugs and Alcohol: Why Prevention Benefits Everyone
The Alcohol & Drug Foundation has provided a stark reminder of the enormous cost to Australia due to alcohol and drugs. It also highlights that while the cost is high,…