Drugs and alcohol

Do you have a plan or policies in place to manage drug, alcohol and substance abuse?

If someone at work is under the influence, it could have a negative impact on safety, especially in an aviation setting. Even if consumed outside the workplace, it can lead to poor concentration, risk-taking behaviour and errors in judgement. It can also result in higher rates of injuries, fatalities and absenteeism as well as reduced productivity.

Testing

Reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that employees are not under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

While testing for drug, alcohol or other illegal substances is not currently mandatory (the exception is adventure aviation operators), it is good practice.

A non-negative result means the initial test has indicated that there may be drugs or alcohol present.

In the event of a non-negative result:

The situation must be considered that impairment exists;
The person tested should immediately cease work in safety critical roles until they are considered no longer impaired;
An additional laboratory test, on the same sample, is then performed to establish the result as positive or not.

Fact sheet

Testing for drugs and alcohol in the workplace [PDF 388 KB]

Managing the problem

Effective management should also deal with the issue on a long term basis, when necessary, to ensure that repeat behaviour is identified and managed. A workplace policy which applies to all staff can provide the structure for good management.

These fact sheets can give guidance for a successful drug and alcohol programme.

Fact sheet

Drug and alcohol policy development [PDF 355 KB]

Sample policy

Drug, alcohol and substance impairment [PDF 383 KB]

The sample policy does not cover all of the elements considered necessary to provide a full and comprehensive policy. It should be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and associated regulations where relevant.