According to research completed by Flinders University into the workplace implications of alcohol and other drug use (National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction - June 2023), around 60% of employed Australians are aware of an alcohol and/or drug policy in their workplace.
Having a drug and alcohol policy in place is a great start. Having workers aware of the policy is even better. But what should a drug and alcohol policy cover and how is it best implemented?
NCETA recommends “all workplaces should have an AOD policy in place.” It also recommends that your AOD policy be:
Focussed on risks to health and safety rather than just detection.
Developed in consultation with drug and alcohol experts, legal and human resources management experts and employee representatives.
Clearly communicated to your workers, alongside relevant education and training programs on the safety and health risks of drug and alcohol use.
Enforceable throughout the organisation.
Regularly reviewed in light of the ever changing nature of the market.
However, a policy alone (however robust it might be) is not enough to effectively manage the risk of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. It needs to be implemented as part of a multi-component approach, supported by:
Education
Testing
Ongoing interventions, such as health promotion education, EAP and counselling.
Ongoing drug and alcohol interventions, the NCETA report states, are most effective when embedded within a larger health promotion program, consider the broader fitness for work framework and tailored to your specific workplace culture.
The full NCETA report can be found here.
DASA has long promoted a holistic approach to workplace drug and alcohol services. We offer a comprehensive suite of services including policy review and development, onsite testing, policy awareness training and ongoing drug and alcohol education. Our programs are designed to :
Set expectations and clarify employee obligations under your policy.
Empower managers and supervisors to confidently implement your policy.
Develop an understanding of drug and alcohol issues across your team to facilitate smart choices.
Foster a supportive workplace culture, built on trust and respect.
To find out more about how DASA’s approach to managing drug and alcohol risk can help improve health and safety in your workplace, get in touch via 1300 230 231 or email to info@dasa.net.au
DASA (Drug and Alcohol Solutions Australia) is proud to be leading the way in workplace drug and alcohol testing services throughout Australia. Whether your need is for workplace drug and workplace alcohol testing, advice on drug and alcohol policy or ideas on how to communicate your workplace expectations, policies and procedures to your staff, DASA can help. We have the experience, technical expertise and people to lead you to the right solution.
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