Alcohol and Drugs

The use of alcohol and other drugs may damage a person's physical and mental health and impact workplace health and safety.

The work health and safety risks come from the effects that alcohol and other drugs (including medicines) can have on behaviour. The impairment of behaviour can cause affected workers to injure themselves or others. For example, drugs and alcohol may affect coordination and cause drowsiness and therefore driving a vehicle or operating machinery is dangerous.

The work health and safety risks associated with alcohol and drug use is greater at some workplaces than others for example where workers operate machinery or rely on concentration in the course of their work. The prevailing workplace culture, availability, physical isolation, job satisfaction and stress are just a few of the factors that might increase a worker's likelihood of alcohol or other drug consumption.

Workers 'under the influence' present many possible issues including:

  • illness and/or absenteeism;
  • dizziness;
  • blurred vision;
  • slurred speech;
  • extreme emotional highs and lows;
  • alertness, co-ordination and motor control may be affected;
  • workers may be drowsy or fall asleep at work;
  • workers may suddenly become aggressive or violent;
  • judgement or self control may be affected;
  • hangovers including headaches, shaking, vomiting and nausea;
  • putting co workers in the difficult position of being expected to cover for unsafe work practices or having to report a fellow worker;
  • preoccupation with obtaining and using substances or the illegal sale of alcohol or other drugs while at work;
  • damage to property or equipment;
  • negative publicity for a business;
  • loss of productivity; and,
  • workers who are injured at work while affected by alcohol or other drugs may not be able eligible for workers compensation.

The hazards associated with the consumption of alcohol and illicit drugs by workers before or while at work should be identified and a strategy developed to control them, in the same way that any other workplace hazard would be. The aim of the strategy should be to eliminate or reduce alcohol and other drug related harm, as far as is practicable. This can be achieved through a three-tiered approach of:

  • providing information and education;
  • introducing a policy and associated procedures for dealing with affected workers; and,
  • creating opportunities for return to usual work duties by affected workers.

In consultation with their workers a person conducting a business or undertaking should develop a drug and alcohol policy that reflects the health and safety needs of their workplace.

A range of resources and services are available to help a person conducting a business or undertaking and workers talk about, manage and prevent alcohol and drug use including:

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