Following on from my recent article about courtesy bus safety, a robust drug and alcohol policy goes hand in hand with all the other controls such as a drivers licence register, terms and conditions of use and regular maintenance and cleaning of your bus.
If you are employing people specifically as courtesy bus drivers, ensure their job description includes clear responsibilities of the employee to maintain a current and valid driver’s license, drive to the road rules and conditions, and adhere to a zero blood alcohol limit and not be impaired by drugs, fatigue or illness. This applies to anyone driving any vehicles or operating any equipment or machinery for the venue.
Doing a regular check of the drivers licences is a good mechanism to ensure that your drivers have a valid licence. In Qld, you can do this through the Transport and Main Roads website. It is a free and quick check to ensure the licence is valid.
Your drug and alcohol policy should contain the following:
- Clear directive on employees and management not being impaired by alcohol or drugs while at work.
- Clear directive about not drinking or taking illicit drugs on duty.
- Circumstances where testing may be required (e.g. on suspicion of impairment, following an incident, random testing – depends on your program).
- Consequences of being found to be impaired by alcohol and/or illicit drugs (including being pulled over for random testing by police and testing positive).
Before implementing a drug and alcohol testing program, it is important to undertake a risk assessment and consultation with employees. Consultation provides employees with all the relevant information about drug and alcohol testing and gives them the opportunity to raise concerns and questions. Note that consultation is a legal requirement for any WHS decision making under the Work Health and Safety Act.
Testing companies are to be accredited and licenced to carry out this testing, which must be in line with Australian Standards. All testing records are to be held in the strictest of confidence.
For any information or guidance on implementing a drug and alcohol program, please get in contact with DWS’ WH&S & Compliance Advisor, Michelle Bates.
Meet our Workplace Health, Safety and Compliance Advisor, Michelle Bates.
A highly qualified advisor, Michelle brings with her 20+ years of experience in safety and compliance. With experience spanning multiple industries including hospitality, construction, mining, environmental services, large municipalities and amusement centres, Michelle will bring fresh ideas and a breadth of knowledge to the role.
If you have any questions about WH&S and compliance, or would like to implement a Fire Safety plan, please get in touch with Michelle Bates.
