Workplace safety standards in Australia have evolved considerably over time; yet, workplace incidents remain a significant concern. Safe Work Australia’s statistics of the past ten years, reveals workplace accidents have claimed over 1,880 lives through fatal injuries, while serious compensation claims exceeding one week of workplace absence have been filed by more than 1.1 million workers.
Occupational risks can emerge across any industry, impacting employees at every level. Studies by Safe Work Australia demonstrate that the elimination of work-related injuries and illnesses could contribute $28.6 billion annually to Australia’s economy, create 185,500 new full-time equivalent jobs, and facilitate a 1.3% average wage increase across all occupational categories and skill levels.
What represented the highest percentage of workplace deaths? Vehicle-related incidents at 42%!
It’s also important to note, for the purpose of workplace drug and alcohol testing, that mental health-related claims have continued increasing, now constituting 10.5% of all claims.
Are you at risk of vehicle related incidents in your workplace? Ensuring employees operating vehicles or machinery are fit to drive, have the necessary qualifications including a current valid driver’s licence and notes on any regular medications or health conditions that may affect their driving ability is essential. A range of medical conditions, disabilities and treatments may influence these driving prerequisites adversely affecting driving ability.
In 2020, Australian roads witnessed 1,106 fatalities, with the yearly economic impact of road accidents estimated at $30 billion. While many factors contribute to safety on the road, driver health and fitness to drive is an important consideration. Drivers must meet certain medical standards to ensure their health status does not unduly increase their risk.
According to Road Sense Australia, approximately 30% of fatal crashes in Australia are attributed to drink driving, with more than 1 in 4 deceased drivers and passengers recording Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) above legal limits.
Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Testing Protocols
Operating vehicles or machinery while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. The impact of drug and alcohol misuse in workplace settings exposes organisations to multiple risks, including potential accidents, reduced productivity levels, and significant legal consequences. Implementing comprehensive testing protocols is essential for ensuring workplace safety, enhancing operational efficiency, and minimizing potential legal exposures.
With a robust understanding of Australian regulations and standards, we are well-equipped to help navigate the complexities of workplace testing. Our products are widely used internationally across a range of industries including law enforcement, mining, transportation, construction and corporate. Continuing to innovate, we ensure improved efficiencies in drug testing to enable quick, precise readings, essential for large-scale operations.
Our AlcoCONNECT™ platform, facilitates real-time analysis of testing data, enabling businesses to effectively monitor workplace safety from any location. Our products have undergone rigorous testing to meet international and local standards.
Our AOD testing solutions ensures a complete service that can be customised to suit your specific requirements. We can assist in AOD policy development, decision-making around drug testing procedures and can perform on site testing should that be your preferred choice. Read about our complete AOD testing solutions here.