How Acceptable Is Drug Testing in Australian Work Culture?

All employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for employees, contractors and visitors. For the workplace to remain a safe and productive place to be, employers must ensure that the workplace remains alcohol and drug-free. Both employers and employees have a duty to take care of their own health and to ensure that their behaviour doesn’t adversely affect others around them.

That’s why now more than ever, employers from large corporations, smaller privately-owned businesses and areas within the government are turning to testing their staff at regular intervals.

Read on to learn more about how Australian work culture has changed, and what you need to know about drug & alcohol testing in the workplace.

Drug testing: banishing the stigma 

Throughout Australia, there are several acts and regulations that govern the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Due to the safety critical nature in aviation, mining and civil construction, drug testing has become an acceptable part of the workplace in those types of industries. Over recent years, alcohol and drug related issues have been deemed as substantial contributors to declines in productivity and employee morale.

With this in mind, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive workplace drug and alcohol policy before you begin drug testing, explaining how and when the testing may apply. A drug-testing program allows you to protect your business, its reputation as well as ensuring that your employees remain happy, comfortable and productive in the workplace. To banish the stigma of random drug testing, employers should reiterate that drug testing is an essential way to ensure that the workplace remains a safe place for all.

Over the last 10 years, our 100% Australian owned company has developed some of the finest tested and proven products available on the market, including urine drug test kits, alcohol breathalysers and more. For additional information on our drug testing and training services, contact us on 1300 725 520 or use our online contact form to discuss your requirements with our team of experts.