Australian workplace culture is becoming more accepting of drug and alcohol testing and the safety message around why this is necessary, and as a result, see it less of an intrusion of privacy. Let’s first establish that workplace testing is not mandatory in most workplaces, but it is becoming more widespread.
However, even though it is not mandatory, the Health and Safety Work Act of 2011 requires employers so far as is reasonably practicable to provide and maintain a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
To endorse a healthy work environment for employees regarding a workplace drug and alcohol testing program, a reasonable solution would be to create a committee that includes management, employees and even independent contractors. This committee would then create the drug and alcohol policy for the organisation, with all parties fairly represented.
There are some industries that most certainly require drug testing. Regulated industries for instance such as mining, aviation and transport. Safety sensitive industries where one careless misstep could have serious consequences to either employee safety or that of the public.
With a fair and equitable drug and alcohol policy, that all employees have agreed upon when commencing work at any given organisation shows the commitment to maintaining a safe environment for employees and the community they operate in. In addition, issues such as absenteeism, reduced turnover, loss of productivity or employee confidence in management are potential positives to implementing a drug and alcohol testing programme. So even though we have established that workplace testing is NOT law in most instances, the argument for it being a necessary compliance for maintaining a safe work environment and in the best interest of public safety, is certainly a discussion worth having.
For more information or consultation on effective drug & alcohol policies or workplace testing kits contact Royal Medical at info@royalmedical.com.au
