Drugs and Alcohol Policy
This Drugs and Alcohol Policy communicates to employees and other workers that being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other prohibited substances will not be tolerated at the workplace, as well as outlining expectations around social consumption and procedures for testing.
4.6 (40 reviews)
Last updated December 19, 2024
Under 3 minutes
Suitable for Australia
Written by
Edwin Montoya Zorrilla
Reviewed by
Damin Murdock
Document Overview
You can use this Drugs and Alcohol Policy to ensure that your workers are aware that your Company does not allow the use of drugs, alcohol or other prohibited substances other than at approved Company or social events. Using this policy can also protect your Company and provide a safer workplace by ensuring that all parties are aware of their obligations around the use of any substances, including disclosure obligations around prescribed medication if it affects the worker’s ability to perform their job safely or effectively.
The Legal Risk Score of a Drugs and Alcohol Policy Template
Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:
- The policy mandates strict adherence to a drug and alcohol-free workplace, which could pose a risk of rigid enforcement that may not account for individual circumstances or accidental infractions.
- The requirement for employees to undergo drug or alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion introduces a subjective element, potentially leading to disputes over what constitutes reasonable suspicion.
- The policy's provision for termination of employment or subcontractor agreements as a disciplinary action for breaches could lead to significant consequences for employees, impacting job security and career progression.
Drugs and Alcohol Policy Checklist
Complete your free Drugs and Alcohol Policy with our checklist
Review by Legal Counsel
Ensure the document is reviewed by a lawyer on the Lawpath platform to verify compliance with current laws and regulations.
Employee Awareness and Training
Conduct training sessions for all employees to thoroughly understand the policy, its implications, and the procedures for reporting and testing.
Implement Monitoring Mechanisms
Set up systems to monitor compliance with the policy, including regular check-ins and updates to ensure it remains effective and relevant.
Establish Support Systems
Create a support system for employees who might be struggling with substance abuse, including easy access to counseling and rehabilitation services as mentioned in the document.
Use this Policy if:
- You need to clarify Company expectations around the use of alcohol, illegal drugs, other prohibited substances;
- You want to implement clear guidelines on smoking, as well as the use of prescription medication where this impacts on a worker’s ability to perform their role safely or effectively;
- You want workers to know that the Company will try to assist them if they recognise that they are struggling with substance abuse issues and that there is a process for such matters;
- You need to communicate to workers that they may be subject to drug and/or alcohol testing, including where there is a reasonable suspicion that they are under the influence, or if they work on client sites that have random drug and/or alcohol testing; and
- You want to have clear expectations in place to help protect the Company in the event of a related disciplinary issue.
What does this Policy cover?
- Communicating to workers that the Company does not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol, non-prescription drugs or prohibited substances;
- Providing clear guidelines on alcohol consumption during approved Company or social events;
- Ensuring workers are aware of disclosure obligations where any prescribed medication may impact their ability to perform their role safely and/or effectively; and
- Establishing clear guidelines regarding smoking on Company premises, or Company vehicles where applicable.
Further Information:
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