Alcohol and Drugs in the Workplace

Alcohol and drugs including medicines prescribed by a doctor or purchased from a pharmacy can affect a person’s ability to work safely.

All workers have a duty of care to their own health and safety and that of others.

This means you must be fit and well to do your job and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs that might affect your ability to work.

In jobs such as road and rail transport, construction, engineering and mining the law sets down a legal blood alcohol level and may prohibit a worker from being affected by any drugs—legal or illegal.

Some companies have explicit policies to test their workers for alcohol and illegal substances. This is particularly important if a worker is in a high-risk environment or could seriously injure themselves, another worker or a member of the public.

You need to check if your employer conducts regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Employers attempting to identify alcohol and other drug related risks to health and safety should consider:

  • On-the-job intoxication
  • Regular use or dependence to alcohol or other drugs that adversely affect work performance or conduct
  • The possession, consumption, distribution and sale of illegal drugs in the workplace
  • Chemicals used legally in the workplace that can impair a person’s performance or magnify the effects of alcohol and other drugs in persons if exposed

Some indicators that can suggest the presence of alcohol and other drugs include:

  • ‘Near miss’ incidents
  • Violence
  • Regular lateness and frequent absences
  • Lack of personal grooming
  • Workers experiencing poor coordination or poor concentration
  • Changes in attitude and behaviour

As an apprentice always check with your supervisor or OH&S rep before doing any work you are not familiar with or if another worker seems impaired – and never mix alcohol or drugs with work.

SafetyFirst support The Building Trades Group Drug & Alcohol Program. They have a great website that contains information on policies and guidelines, training and education, HIV/AIDS and general information for workers in the construction industry.

Alcohol and Drugs In The Workplace Information Links

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