worker's capacity to work safely

Where a worker's capacity to work safely may be impaired, including impairment by alcohol
and/or other drugs, the employer should ensure the worker is not in a position of personal
risk and does not present a hazard or risk to the safety and health of others.
Impairment can be caused by a range of factors, including alcohol and other drug use. The
focus at the workplace should be on occupational safety and health management rather than
more general concerns about personal health.
It should not be assumed that any observed impairment is caused by alcohol and/or other
drug use. Other impairment factors may include fatigue, medical conditions, chemicals, heat,
noise and symptoms of work-related stress.
The effects of a range of drugs including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, hallucinogens, volatile
substances and stimulants are briefly outlined in Appendix 3. This section also outlines how
prescription and 'over the counter' medication may also affect a worker's ability to work safely, as
can combining different drugs or mixing medications with alcohol. Discussion on nicotine is not
included in this guidance note.