Ensure your organisation is covered by implementing a drugs and alcohol policy. Download our fully customisable, printable version of the drugs and alcohol policy template now. Vetted by employment lawyers and entirely free for you.

Why should businesses implement a drugs and alcohol policy?

This free template will help you establish your own company policy to prevent employees from working while under the influence.

This Australian drug and alcohol policy template outlines your organisation’s role and your employee’s responsibilities. Alcohol and other drug use become an occupational health and safety issue if an employee’s ability to exercise judgment, coordination, motor control, concentration and alertness at work is impaired.

The objectives of a drugs and alcohol policy is to help your business with:

• Ensuring the health and safety of everyone in your workplace
• Achieving productivity and overall business goals 
• Making sure you have a clear statement of confidentiality 
• Explicitly stating to your workforce that drugs and alcohol abuse is not tolerated 
• Establishing employee assistance programs

Download this free Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy Template now.

Drugs and alcohol in the workplace – What is it costing you?

This is a guest post by South Pacific Private who explain how management can practice and improve mental wellness strategies in the workplace.

Want to know what drugs and alcohol in the workplace are costing you?

Employees may think that what happens in their private life is nothing to do with their employer and on the whole, they’re right. However, when issues arise at work due to external influences like drugs and alcohol, this then becomes a matter that a company and employer can’t ignore.

The alarming figures of drugs and alcohol in the workplace

Drug and alcohol misuse is shockingly present in most workplaces, and the Australian Drug Foundation says the annual cost of absenteeism alone due to alcohol is estimated at up to $1.2billion.

With drug use in Australia on the rise, this cost is also set to increase which is setting off alarm bells within companies across the nation. According to healthdirect.gov.au illicit drugs are used by more than a quarter of people in their 20s each year.

Data from a recent study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that the use of illicit substances increased among people in their 40s (from 12% to 16%) and 50s (from 6.7% to 12%) between 2001 and 2016.

While some people can misuse drugs and alcohol and still have success in the workplace, ‘high-functioning’ employees are no less in need of support and can still cause significant damage to companies.

What are the effects of substance abuse at work?

Loss in productivity, high turnover rates, increases in absenteeism and decreases in quality of work can all be a result of substance abuse. While the negative impact on the employer may be vast, work colleagues are also at risk.

In an unsafe work environment, the need to cover for their employee’s poor performance and disputes can arise leading to embarrassment, awkward situations and a feeling of unfairness at work.

Of course, the major concern is for the employee misusing drugs and alcohol. The risks involved aren’t just addiction, they’re physical and mental health problems, personal relationship issues and loss of job and financial issues, to name a few.

Read more: Supporting employees during workplace conflict

Providing safety and support to employees

For the welfare and safety of every employee, it’s important that employers uphold health and safety legislation and create a healthy work environment.

Setting in place policies, education and aligning with organisations that provide services to support employees are all ways to reduce the impact that substance abuse can cause and ease the financial burden on the company.

Results from South Pacific Private’s Australian Life in Recovery Survey showed that missing work was a frequent occurrence when dealing with addiction; however, this decreased by 50% in recovery, proving the importance of an environment that supports employees’ health and recovery.

Specialists at South Pacific Private, Australia’s Leading Treatment Centre, are experts in drug and alcohol treatment. Fully accredited and with over 25 years of experience, our evidence-based treatment is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of Psychiatrists, GPs, Registered Nurses, Clinical Psychologists, Therapists and Case Workers.

Over the years, SPP has treated over ten thousand patients and their families for mental health concerns and addiction issues.

What are some common signs of substance abuse?

Think your employee or colleague may be struggling with addiction or excessive drug and alcohol use?

The common signs are:

• A decline in personal appearance or hygiene
• Complaints of failing relationships at home
• Taking time off for vague illnesses or family problems

If you’re concerned, you can get them to do this quick alcoholism test to raise their awareness.

Individuals who want to ask for help (for themselves or for someone they care about) can contact South Pacific Private 24/7. It’s as simple as calling 1800 063 332 in complete confidence or visiting our website for more information at www.southpacificprivate.com.au.

Employment Hero has written an article on how to build a health and safety policy in the workplace that makes the office a safe environment for everyone.

Other useful workplace policies

• Employee code of conduct
• Workplace anti-harassment and bullying policy
• Workplace grievance handling policy
• Mobile usage policy
• Anti-discrimination policy
• Social media policy

Download this free Workplace Drug and Alcohol Policy Template now.