Uncertainty defines workplace drug, alcohol policies

Australian and New Zealand businesses are struggling to stay on top of complex and dynamic workplace regulations.

In its first Health and Safety Policy Survey, The Drug and Detection Agency (TDDA) found a lack of confidence in systems, policies, and programs.

Of the over 1,000 ANZ businesses surveyed, respondents were primarily from especially safety-conscious industries such as construction, manufacturing, transport, warehousing, and agriculture. In addition, 77 per cent of respondents were reportedly at a high level, and more than 90 per cent regarded workplace health and safety as a priority.

However, intent does not appear to match implementation, with many businesses struggling to evolve with modern employee needs. Approximately 22 per cent either believed it had been over a year since their drug and alcohol policy had been reviewed, or were unsure when the last one took place.

According to TDDA CEO Glenn Dobson, “prescription drugs, medical cannabis, new roadside testing rules” are complicating regulatory matters. This increasing grey area is making it harder to make firm and targeted policy, and making room for legal, safety and productivity issues.

“If you’re unsure your policies are up to date, there’s a strong likelihood that they no longer reflect current standards, guidance, legislation, or case law,” Dobson said.

“It’s critical to review and update drug and alcohol policies on an annual basis, as well as educate supervisors, managers, and employees too.”

And given that substance-related risk is broadening, the more often policy is reviewed, the more accurate and thereby safer it is. As Dobson highlighted, “the global drug trade and cartel activity have brought more risk to Australia’s shores”.

Regarding specific substance concern, the results were strong but varied: 78 per cent methamphetamine, 76 per cent cannabis, 68 per cent alcohol, 45 per cent opiates/ opioids, and 42 per cent cocaine. Synthetic cannabinoids and prescription misuse were also identified.

It makes sense that Aussies are overwhelmed. As Dobson said, “Employers are left to manage and adapt to a modern, wider, and more complex drug environment.”

He added: “It all requires more comprehensive testing and education.”

On testing methods, the survey revealed 84 per cent of respondents reported using urinalysis, but oral fluid testing, while currently polling at 46 per cent, is on the rise.

Dobson said that both approaches have both pros and cons, and it is best to adapt the method to business circumstances “and what they are trying to achieve through testing”.

Health and safety systems were also identified as not meeting contemporary standards, with only 58 per cent reportedly conducting regular medical or occupational health checks. For Dobson, they are crucial to “allow employers to actively monitor and manage worker health”.

He said: “Smart businesses do the right thing early to protect their people, and they are rewarded with a healthier, more productive workforce.

Hand in hand with testing is training, of which one in five surveyed businesses does not currently provide to their staff. Even if these companies were exercising strong policy and testing, they would most likely fail to follow through without communication and knowledge building. Commitment to change can only do so much.

Dobson suggests that “many would benefit from more integrated, professionally designed programs that combine policy, testing, occupational health checks and education”.

So, while “the signal from Australian business leaders is unambiguous”, initiative wins over intent every time. And with the number of resources out there, complexity is no longer an excuse for lapsed policies, testing, or training.

As Dobson said, “In an increasingly complex regulatory environment, partnering with a qualified, accredited and specialist provider is becoming less a choice and more a practical necessity.”