Drug and Alcohol Screenings and Policies
Aug 25, 2025Both employers and employees have a duty of care to ensure that the health and safety is met. Drugs, alcohol and smoking can impact both physical and psychological safety for individuals and those around them, especially when it comes to the workplace.
How do Drugs and Alcohol Screenings work in Australia?
Drug and Alcohol Screenings are conducted by a trusted provider to ensure accurate, discreet, and quick turn arounds. All employers in Australia have the right to request a testing, in line with their company policies. This may include at the start of employment, if a staff member is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, or at stages throughout employment.
What are the responsibilities of the employee?
- Review your organisation’s specific policy to ensure you're meeting expectations.
- Present to work in a fit and professional state.
- Cooperate within any required drug and alcohol screenings.
- Never attend work while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol (this includes smelling like drugs and/or alcohol.)
- Be aware how consuming drugs/alcohol outside of work will impact them during work hours, especially if consuming the night before a work day.
- Check the company policy regarding smoking. This may include only smoking during designated breaks, and only in approved areas. Some workplaces are completely smoke-free, including outdoor spaces such as car parks.
- Notify the appropriate chain of command if you are on any prescription drugs that may impact their ability in the workplace.
- Stay within their limits at any work-based social event by drinking responsibly (ie no more than two standard drinks and plenty of water), eating food, and not driving a vehicle if over the limit.
- Employees are able to legally refuse to partake in a drug and alcohol test, however this may result in disciplinary action depending on the employer’s policy regarding refusal.
What are the rights of the employer?
Employers have a legal right to ensure a safe working environment, which may include conducting drug and alcohol testing. This is especially common in safety-critical industries such as construction, mining, and transport.
Employers can:
- Request screenings: Implement pre-employment, random, or incident-related drug and alcohol testing, in accordance with their policy.
- Develop clear policies: A well-documented policy should outline:
- Types of testing and when they apply
- Consequences of a positive or refused test
- How suspicions of impairment will be managed
- Smoking policies
- Disciplinary procedures for non-compliance
Having a transparent and consistent approach not only protects staff and operations but it also helps ensure compliance with workplace health and safety legislation.
Looking for reliable drug and alcohol screening in Australia?
Knight Health is an top provider with 7 clinics across Western Australia and are even able to facilitate onsite screenings. Not based in WA? They have affiliates across Australia and New Zealand – find the full list here!
They also offer other services including pre-employment medicals, basic mental health screening, fitness assessments, and so much more.
Staying aware of your rights and responsibilities, both for employers and employees, is incredibly important when it comes to drugs and alcohol. From facilitating screenings, to handling breaches both in the moment and long term, to developing bullet proof policies that make expectations and outcomes clear there’s a lot to factor in.
Need help creating or reviewing your Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking Policy? Contact us at [email protected] - we're here to help you get it right.
Author: RG (Employii Human Resources)
