Drug testing mining workplaces under Australian WHS laws
Mining is one of Australia’s highest-risk industries and one of the most tightly regulated. Safe Work Australia reports that the industry, although improved greatly, still has one of the highest fatality rates among industries.
According to the article How safe are Australia’s mines? “… there are indications of worsening mental health, rising fatigue and high staff turnover, which can erode corporate knowledge.
Psychological and social problems such as these affect an estimated 20% of the modern mining workforce.”
Research shows that workers in mining, construction and transport are among those most likely to engage in risky drinking behaviours. Combined with long shifts, fly-in fly-out (FIFO) lifestyles, and isolation, this creates a high-risk environment for substance use.
A survey across coal mine sites in Eastern Australia found 45.7% of male and 17.0% of female participants reported alcohol use at levels considered “risky or hazardous” at work.
Why does drug testing matter in mining?
Alcohol and drug testing in mining is imperative. It’s also a legal and moral responsibility. Drug testing in mining should never be seen as punitive. It’s part of a comprehensive safety system that protects lives, productivity and reputation.
The mining sector employs tens of thousands of Australians across remote and hazardous sites. The Minerals Council of Australia reports the mining industry employed around 303,300 people in 2023-24. That is a huge chunk of people that are at risk.
Operating heavy machinery, working underground or at height, and managing fatigue are all safety challenges on their own. Add drugs or alcohol into the mix, and the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities increases dramatically.
Workers often operate large vehicles, explosives, and heavy equipment. Even minor impairment can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
A well-structured drug and alcohol testing program protects everyone on site. It helps:
- Prevent accidents and maintain safety performance
- Ensure compliance with WHS and industry regulations
- Support early identification and rehabilitation of at-risk workers
- Reinforce a culture of safety and accountability.
What does the law say about drug testing in mining?
National framework
The Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 applies across most Australian jurisdictions and places a duty of care on employers to provide a workplace that is safe and without risk to health.
This means mining operators must:
- Identify hazards, including impairment from drugs and alcohol
- Assess the level of risk
- Implement control measures, such as random or targeted testing
- Regularly review and consult with workers about safety systems.
Under this framework, employers are legally obligated to take “reasonably practicable steps” to ensure workers are not impaired while performing safety-critical tasks.
State and territory requirements
Each state and territory enforces its own WHS legislation, but the principles remain consistent.
Western Australia: Governed by the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022, requiring mine operators to ensure workers are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work and to maintain documented testing procedures.
Queensland: The Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999 and Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 mandate that site senior executives manage the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.
Random testing is common practice across Queensland mines.
New South Wales: The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 requires risk management systems for fitness for work, including alcohol and drug testing.
South Australia: The Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) requires mining operators to ensure workers are not impaired.
Victoria: Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must provide a workplace free from health and safety risks, which includes managing impairment through policies and testing.
Every jurisdiction expects proactive management of drug and alcohol risks in the mining industry.
How can AusHealth help the mining sector?
At AusHealth, we work with mining operators across Australia to deliver compliant, confidential and efficient testing services. Our experienced technicians are trained to operate in remote and high-risk environments, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations while meeting all regulatory standards.