When developing your workplace drug and alcohol policy, it’s prudent to enlist the services of a professional consultant if you’re not familiar with Australian workplace legislation. However, a general guideline for developing a good occupational drug and alcohol policy is detailed as follows:
- Firstly, provide a clear documented guide outlining your workplace’s stance on drug and alcohol issues. This should include references to the responsibility and obligations of employees, supervisors and management in dealing with drug and alcohol related work issues.
- Reinforce that the policy is designed to ensure a safe working environment
- Provide clauses that makes reference to its objective of maintaining and/or restoring the good health and welfare of employees
- Promote workplace practices that foster low level/low risk drug and alcohol use specifically in relation to the workplace
- Institute formal workplace initiatives and systems that help reduce levels of drug and alcohol consumption
- Cite that the policy is designed also to address related costs that are incurred by drug and alcohol misuse including low productivity, absenteeism and accidents.
- Provide support networks and referral information to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services.
For more information on how best to develop your workplace drug and alcohol policy please contact Worksafe Australia on (+612) 9387 1248 or Mediscreen on 1300 79 70 40.
