Drug and Alcohol Policy

Company Name: [Insert Company Name] Effective Date: [Insert Date] Review Date: [Insert Date]

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. [Insert Company Name] is committed to eliminating risks associated with the use of alcohol and drugs. This policy outlines our expectations and the consequences of non compliance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all [Insert Company Name] workers. This includes full time, part time, and casual employees. It also applies to contractors, sub contractors, labour hire workers, and visitors. It applies to all work sites, vehicles, and company functions.

3. Legislation and Standards

This policy is developed in accordance with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Fair Work Act 2009
• AS/NZS 4308:2008 (Urine testing)
• AS 4760 (Oral fluid testing)

4. Policy Statement

[Insert Company Name] has a zero tolerance approach to alcohol and illicit drugs in the workplace. Workers must not be impaired by drugs or alcohol while at work. Being impaired affects safety, productivity, and reputation.

5. Definitions

Alcohol: Means any beverage containing ethanol.

Illicit Drugs: Means substances whose possession, supply, or use is prohibited by law. This includes but is not limited to cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, and opioids.

Prescribed Medication: Means lawfully prescribed medications.

Impaired: Means affected by alcohol or drugs to the extent that the worker's capacity to work safely is reduced.

Workplace: Means any place where work is performed. This includes client sites, vehicles, and company premises.

6. Rules and Obligations

6.1 Alcohol

Workers must not consume alcohol while at work. Workers must not be under the influence of alcohol while at work. Workers must not attend work with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.00% or greater. Alcohol must not be stored in company vehicles or onsite unless approved for a specific event.

6.2 Illicit Drugs

The use, possession, distribution, or sale of illicit drugs at work is strictly prohibited. Workers must not be under the influence of illicit drugs while at work.

6.3 Medication

Workers taking prescribed medication must assess whether it affects their ability to work safely. If the medication causes impairment, the worker must notify their supervisor immediately. The worker may be reassigned to non safety critical duties if appropriate.

7. Testing

[Insert Company Name] reserves the right to conduct drug and alcohol testing.

7.1 Types of Testing

Testing may occur in the following circumstances:

• Pre employment: Before a job offer is confirmed.
• Random: Unannounced testing of workers.
• For Cause: When a supervisor suspects impairment based on behaviour or accidents.
• Post Incident: After a near miss or accident.
• Reasonable Suspicion: Based on observable signs of impairment.

7.2 Method of Testing

We will use [Insert Method, e.g., Oral Fluid or Urine] testing. Testing will be conducted by [Insert Company Name, e.g., a accredited third party provider]. All testing will follow Australian Standards [AS 4760 / AS/NZS 4308].

7.3 Refusal to Test

Refusing to undergo a test when required is a breach of this policy. It may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

8. Disciplinary Action

Breaches of this policy are serious. We will follow a disciplinary procedure.

• First Offence: May result in a written warning and mandatory counselling or rehabilitation.
• Second Offence: May result in termination of employment.
• Serious Breach: Possession or distribution of drugs, or working while heavily impaired, may result in immediate dismissal.

9. Support and Rehabilitation

We recognise that drug and alcohol dependency is a health issue. Workers who voluntarily disclose a problem will be supported. We may refer them to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a rehabilitation provider. Confidentiality will be maintained where possible.

10. Communication and Training

All workers must read and understand this policy. Workers must sign an acknowledgment form. Supervisors will receive training on how to identify impairment and manage testing.

11. Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Drug and Alcohol Policy. I agree to abide by its terms.

Name: __________________________

Signature: __________________________

Date: __________________________