ALCOHOL & THE WORKPLACE

In Australia, alcohol use is a daily part of many people’s lives. Working under the influence of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to work safely, which puts them and everyone around them at risk.

When workers are hungover or under the influence of alcohol, they are likely to have slower reflexes, impaired judgement and reduced coordination and concentration, which could lead to short-cuts or mistakes.

This is particularly risky when using tools and machinery or in hazardous environments, like working at height or in confined spaces.

The general assumption is that only people who regularly drink large amounts of alcohol are at high risk of alcohol related harm in the workplace, but moderate or occasional drinking is also associated with increased risk of harm. The effect of alcohol can vary from person to person and is influenced by a number of factors including the person’s tolerance, age, weight, gender, fatigue and general health.

Everyone in the workplace has a role to play in managing the risks to health and safety associated with alcohol. Under the model Work Health and Safety Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking (a PCBU) has the primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers, and other people is not put at risk, so far as is reasonably practicable. This duty covers risks to health and safety that arise from alcohol in the workplace.

Everyone in the workplace has a role to play in managing the risks to health and safety associated with alcohol. Under the model Work Health and Safety Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking (a PCBU) has the primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers, and other people is not put at risk, so far as is reasonably practicable. This duty covers risks to health and safety that arise from alcohol in the workplace.

Everyone in the workplace has a role to play in managing the risks to health and safety associated with alcohol. Under the model Work Health and Safety Act, a person conducting a business or undertaking (a PCBU) has the primary duty to ensure the health and safety of workers, and other people is not put at risk, so far as is reasonably practicable. This duty covers risks to health and safety that arise from alcohol in the workplace.

Workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety while they are at work, as well as the health and safety of others. This means workers must be fit and able to do their job safely. Workers must also cooperate with any reasonable health and safety policy or procedure they are aware of, and follow reasonable instructions to allow PCBUs to comply with their duty.

For some types of work – such as those in road and rail transport, maritime, and mining – there may be additional laws that deal specifically with risks associated with alcohol, such as blood alcohol limits and prohibiting workers from working while under the influence of alcohol or any drugs.

Addressing issues with alcohol use can be a complex and workplaces need to consider what is suitable for their particular circumstances. Workplace policies developed in consultation with workers can help to set expectations about acceptable behaviour and manage risks associated with alcohol at work.

Some workplaces test workers for alcohol and illicit substances, particularly in high-risk work environments where there is a serious risk that a worker or other person could be killed or injured. The implementation of workplace drug and alcohol testing can be a complex and sensitive issue.

To be most effective, testing should be only one part of a broader strategy to deal with alcohol in the workplace, with clear policies, processes and procedures developed in consultation with workers.

By: Jenny Zhou, Safe Work Australia