Workplace policy on alcohol and/or other drugs

Workplace policy on alcohol and/or other drugs

A constructive step for employers to address alcohol and other drugs safety and health issues is
to develop a workplace alcohol and other drugs policy, with supporting procedures, which address
specific circumstances at the workplace. Workers and safety and health representatives, where
they exist, must be consulted on safety and health matters, such as developing a workplace
alcohol and other drugs policy.
The development of a written policy and supporting procedures provides an opportunity to develop
a range of management strategies to deal with issues that could arise.
The workplace alcohol and other drugs policy should outline the workplace's aims in relation
to alcohol and/or other drug use, with the objective being the elimination and reduction of
hazards and risks that could arise. The 'supporting procedures' should provide the strategies
and action plans to meet this objective.
The policy and supporting procedures should be communicated clearly to everyone who comes
into the workplace.
The level of support and commitment by management at all levels may have a bearing on how well
a new policy is taken up and adhered to. This should be considered when implementing the policy
to ensure it remains continually active.