Public comment being sought on use of alcohol and drugs in workplace

18/1/00
Labour Relations Minister Cheryl Edwardes today announced that public comment is being sought on the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace.
The WorkSafe Western Australia Commission has called for comments on a draft Guidance Note, which aims to assist employers, self-employed people and employees to understand and address alcohol and drug issues in the workplace.
Mrs Edwardes said the document was intended to provide guidance for managing the issue.
"This Guidance Note is intended as a starting point from which to develop a policy and fulfil the obligations of the occupational safety and health laws," she said.
"It can be used in all workplaces, but will be particularly important in workplaces in which safety is a critical issue such as those using potentially dangerous machinery or hazardous substances."
The Guidance Note covers areas such as:

• the duties of care of employers and employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and other legislation;
• risk factors;
• how and why to develop a policy;
• identifying those impaired by alcohol or other drugs; and -
• education in the workplace.

"The document deals with a wide range of drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, because even cold and flu tablets can affect reaction times," Mrs Edwardes said.
"Unfortunately, some people are not even aware of the subtle effects of some drugs and do not realise that their reaction time has been slowed.
"The document emphasises the duty of care responsibilities of everyone in the workplace and stresses the importance of education in managing alcohol and drug use in workplaces.
"The general duty of care extends to everyone who may enter the workplace, and this includes social functions, such as sundowners."
Mrs Edwardes encouraged any interested person to participate in the public comment process, as all input would contribute to the development of appropriate guidance material.
The WorkSafe Western Australia Commission will consider all comments received.
They can be submitted either directly from individuals or through submissions by unions, employer associations or professional associations.
Copies of the draft Guidance Note can be obtained by telephoning the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission on (09) 9327 8777 or directly through the SafetyLine information service on the Internet http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au
The closing date for submissions is April 30, 2000.
Media contact: Carole Cowling on 9421 7707