Self-assessment by workers

iv) Self-assessment by workers

The alcohol and other drugs policy should state that workers are not to present themselves for
work, if they have recently consumed alcohol or other drugs, as these can affect the ability to work
safely. The policy should also state that workers should not remain at the workplace if they become
impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs.
The chances of a worker recognising that they are impaired will be improved if they are informed
and educated about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on their ability to work safely.
Simple self-assessment may also be useful in assisting people to assess their own problems and
attitudes. These tools could be developed by the workplace or obtained from services available in
the community.
Such self-assessment tools can also have a positive impact on behaviour. For example, some
employers have provided the opportunity for workers to self-test for alcohol by providing access to
breathalysers. Someone who identifies that she or he is impaired then voluntarily takes leave, such
as sick leave or unpaid leave. The usual procedures for such leave apply.
Education, training and healthy lifestyle programs can also have a positive impact on behaviour
and educate workers about the safety and health risks of alcohol and other drugs.