This month Katya Wright from our WA Business Development Team presented at TranSafeWA on the importance of drug deterrence strategies in the workplace. A well-structured strategy is essential for promoting a safe, productive, and healthy workplace environment seeking to discourage employees from using substances that could impair their judgment, safety, and overall work performance.
By creating a robust framework of policies, procedures, and consequences, organisations can effectively deter substance abuse and foster a safer and healthier work environment.
Katya’s top tips included:
- Policy Development and Communication – the foundation of a successful drug free workplace is a well-defined drug and alcohol policy including references to Australian Standards and the substances that are prohibited, the testing procedures, and the potential consequences of violating the policy.
- Education and Training – raising awareness about the importance of a drug-free workplace is so important. Employee education and training sessions should include the impact of substance abuse on safety, productivity, and overall well-being. We encourage helping your employees to understand the rationale behind the policy and the potential consequences of policy violations.
- Testing & Consistency – procedures need to include various types of testing, such as random, pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and post-incident testing. Ensuring the policy remains consistent across all employees and departments is also the key to maintaining trust and credibility. Transparency in the testing process and consequences further reinforces a sense of fairness and accountability.
- Supervisor Training – playing a pivotal role in identifying potential substance abuse and enforcing the policy ensure your provide training such as a General Alcohol & Drug Awareness training courses. This provides the skills to recognise signs of substance abuse, handle delicate situations with sensitivity, and ensure the policy’s consistent implementation.
- Consequences and Support – clearly defined consequences for policy violations should be outlined in the policy. These consequences can range from counselling and rehabilitation for first-time offenders to more severe measures for repeat or serious violations. Offering support and access to rehabilitation programs for employees who test positive demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to their well-being and recovery.
- Review & Improvement – Regularly assessing the effectiveness of the drug elimination strategy is crucial. Analysing data on policy violations, testing results, accidents, and related metrics helps gauge the strategy’s impact to make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
- AlcoCONNECT™ Live Data Management for all our customers is an essential tool for Safety and Business managers seeking real-time, analysed Alcohol and Drug test results from across their business. Our AlcoCONNECT™ Live Data Management system combines our innovative testing technology with state-of-the-art business solutions.
If you’d like more information on our business solutions which includes training, reporting and analysis and policy review click here to get in touch.
