Is Alcohol Affecting Your Workplace?
It should be no surprise that drug and alcohol use in the workplace is a serious issue.
It can have significant negative impacts on the health and safety of employees, as well as the productivity and bottom line of businesses.
That’s why it’s important for employers to recognise and implement strategies to create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
The impact of drug and alcohol use in the workplace
Drug and alcohol use can have a range of negative impacts on workplace safety and productivity. When employees use drugs or alcohol while on the job, they may experience impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. This can put both the affected employee and their co-workers at risk.
In addition, drug and alcohol use can lead to absenteeism, decreased productivity, and poor decision-making, all of which can harm the bottom line of businesses.
The cost of drug and alcohol use in the workplace
Drug and alcohol use in the workplace comes with a significant financial cost to businesses. According to a report by KPMG and Rethink Addiction, the impact of productivity and associated losses to Australia’s economy due to addiction amounted to $80 billion dollars.
This cost is not limited to larger businesses, as even small businesses can suffer financial losses due to drug and alcohol use by employees.
How to address drug and alcohol use in the workplace
Addressing drug and alcohol use in the workplace is critical for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Here are some effective strategies for addressing this issue:
1. Develop a drug and alcohol policy: One of the most effective ways to address drug and alcohol use in the workplace is to develop a clear and comprehensive policy outlining the expectations and consequences of drug and alcohol use on the job. This policy should be communicated to all employees, and regularly reviewed and updated as needed.
AusHealth offers a Drug & Alcohol Policy Review service in which our AusHealth Toxicologists provide expert reviewing and assistance in the development of your company’s protection policies.
2. Train supervisors and employees: Employers should provide training to both supervisors and employees on the signs of drug and alcohol use, as well as the company’s policies and procedures for addressing this issue. This can help to increase awareness and reduce the risk of drug and alcohol use in the workplace.
AusHealth offers many hands-on training in the protection and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.
3. Offer employee assistance programs: Employers can offer employee assistance programs (EAP) that provide confidential support and counselling for employees struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. This can help employees get the help they need while reducing the risk of drug and alcohol use on the job.
Depending on the industry, your workplace may decide to have a more holistic approach to drug and alcohol testing and positive results in order to retain employees. In this case, you may choose to offer rehabilitation services to your workers, encouraging them to seek help and return to work.
4. Implement drug testing: Employers can implement drug testing as a way to deter drug and alcohol use in the workplace. However, it’s important to ensure that drug testing is conducted in a fair and non-discriminatory manner, and that the results are kept confidential.
We provide expert drug and alcohol testing services for post-incidents and pre-employment screening across Australia, no matter the size of your company or industry.
5. Encourage a culture of safety: Finally, it’s important to encourage a culture of safety in the workplace that values the health and well-being of all employees. This can be achieved by promoting open communication, providing adequate training and resources, and recognizing and rewarding safe behaviors.
We offer drug and alcohol awareness education for employees and managers in recognising and responding to possible substance abuse in the workplace.
In conclusion, drug and alcohol use in the workplace is a serious issue that can have significant negative impacts on the health and safety of employees, as well as the productivity and bottom line of businesses.
Employers can take steps to address this issue by developing clear policies, providing training and support, implementing drug testing, and promoting a culture of safety.
By working together, we can create safe and healthy work environments that benefit everyone involved.
Why work with AusHealth?
By booking a Drug and Alcohol testing service or course with AusHealth, you’re directly contributing to Australian-led, ground-breaking medical research.
Since 1985, we’ve returned the profits made from our workplace safety services and billing resolutions into pain management, cancer and diabetes research, just to name a few.
We’re proud of the positive impact we’re making for all Australians.
Enquire with us today and see how we can help you.