Identification of impairment to work safely

Identification of impairment to work safely

The means by which people who are apparently impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs at the
workplace will be identified needs to be determined at the policy development stage, with details
outlined in supporting procedures.
Under the OSH Act and MSI Act, people at the workplace are expected to be able to carry out their
work without risking the safety and health of themselves or others. It is therefore important that any
identification addresses whether a worker's ability to work safely is impaired. It is the 'impairment'
itself that is the key concern for safety and health, as that is what is hazardous, from whichever
cause.
Potential difficulties should be considered when identification strategies are being formulated.
When assessing 'impairment' of a worker, the possibility of impairment through other causes, such
as fatigue or stress, should be borne in mind.
Appendix 3 provides further information on the effects of a range of substances on the ability to
work safely. However, it should be noted that the overall aim is to eliminate or reduce risks. That is,
impairment is the key and this should not be lost sight of while trying to identify substances and/or
substance use.
There are a number of ways that people who are adversely impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs
may be identified. The following steps may assist in developing an identification process.
i) Criteria for identification
Criteria should be formulated that clearly set out the factors that will be considered when workers
who appear to be impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs are identified. It is essential that the
criteria are developed in consultation with all workers, safety and health representatives, where
they exist, and management. Expert assistance may be required to formulate the identification
process.

ii) Identifying impairment
Identifying people impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs is a complex process. The question as
to who will identify an impaired worker must be clear in the policy or supporting procedures. The
emphasis is on identifying someone who is impaired, not diagnosing the impairment; such matters
are for trained professionals.
Training
It is important that the designated people, such as health and safety staff, medical and
paramedical staff, who will be required to approach workers, are properly trained in
identification and the use of the most effective style of approach.
It is also important that supervisors and managers are trained in recognising and appropriately
assisting workers with 'fitness for work' problems that may impact on work performance or
safety. However, unless adequately trained, supervisors and managers should identify work
performance and safety issues, not diagnose why someone’s performance may be impaired.
It may be advisable to seek a range of independent expert assistance. The organisations set
out in Appendix 1 should be referred to for further assistance.