The Union has received a large number of enquiries recently from members about compulsory drug and alcohol testing in the workplace.
This is a very complex issue that needs to be addressed at many different levels, rather than taking an overly simplistic approach such as drug testing.
Compulsory testing for alcohol and other drug use is not an appropriate feature of a prevention program for a number of reasons, including:
- Current testing methods measure use or exposure, not impairment;
- Inaccuracy and errors with interpretation of test results, both positive and negative;
- Effects of prescribed medications and over-the-counter drugs;
- Infringement of individual’s rights, including the right to privacy and the right to refuse invasive procedures on whatever grounds;
- costliness compared to benefits gained —testing is expensive, and studies indicate that few employers carry out cost-benefit analysis of testing programs or evaluate their effectiveness in terms of reducing accidents;
- available evidence suggests that drug and alcohol testing can lead to lower morale and lower productivityThe focus on impairment and a positive and pro-active response rather than a punitive and negative response should be the object of any policy.
There are a range of factors that can lead to impairment of people at work and interfere with their ability to carry out their work safely.
Impairment essentially caused by work factors other than alcohol and drug use is a growing safety problem in Australia.
Impairment factors include:
Fatigue
Fatigue is tiredness that results from physical and/or mental exertion. The level of fatigue experienced will depend on the workload imposed by a job, the length of a shift, previous hours and days worked, and the time of day or night. Signs of fatigue can be similar to impairment from the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Chemicals
Many industrial chemicals, particularly solvents are known to have effects similar to fatigue or alcohol, including dizziness, inability to concentrate, perceptual and mood changes—all of which can be an impairment risk.
Heat
Working in hot conditions can result in a number of adverse health affects—ranging from discomfort to serious illness, which are generally grouped together as heat stress.
Noise
Not only is noise a hazard, in terms of hearing loss—noise is a significant impairment hazard. Obviously, excessive noise in the work environment prevents everyone from hearing what is happening around them, which could include instructions and/or warnings. Exposure to noise is also a significant cause of stress.
Stress
When people are exposed to chronic, prolonged stress at work, they may experience any of a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Chronic stress can cause or worsen a range of ill-health problems, which can severely affect quality of life, including: cardiovascular disease; asthma; digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome; psoriasis; sexual problems; depression; and alcohol and drug use.
The Union recommends that a workplace Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy should be:
- Developed in consultation between the Union, our members and the employer
- Part of a comprehensive health and safety prevention program
- Related to safety at work
- Concerned with impairment
- Focussed on consultation, education and rehabilitation—not punitive
- Able to maintain confidentiality at all levels.
