Why Safety Professionals Should Prioritise Testing Programs

As a Health and Safety Manager, maintaining a safe and compliant workplace is your number one priority. One area that continues to carry risk, especially in high-risk or regulated industries, is the presence of drugs or alcohol in the workplace. That’s where a structured and legally compliant drug and alcohol testing program becomes a powerful tool in your safety strategy.

 

  

1. The Role of Testing in Risk Reduction

 

 Testing isn’t just about detection, it’s about prevention. By having a clearly communicated and consistently applied testing policy, you’re setting a cultural standard. It acts as both a deterrent and a mechanism for early intervention.

 

• Reduced incidents: Substance use is linked to increased workplace accidents and injuries.
• Lower absenteeism: Employees impaired by drugs or alcohol are more likely to be absent or under perform.
• Improved morale: Workers feel safer knowing that risks are being managed fairly and proactively.

  

2. Understanding the Testing Process

 Types of Testing Commonly Used:

 

• Pre-employment: Prevents potential risks before hiring.
• Random testing: Maintains ongoing compliance in safety-sensitive roles.
• Post-incident: Assists in determining contributing factors after accidents.
• Reasonable suspicion: Allows you to act on observed signs of impairment.
• Return-to-work & follow-up: Monitors rehabilitation or compliance.

  Common Methods:

 

• Urine testing (AS/NZS 4308:2023): Broad detection of drugs, with lab-confirmed accuracy.
• Saliva testing (AS/NZS 4760:2019): Effective for recent use, ideal for on-the-spot screening.
• Breath alcohol testing: Instant results, essential for safety-critical environments.

  

3. Staying Legally Compliant

 As standards evolve, your processes must too. For example, AS/NZS 4308:2023 introduces lower cut-off thresholds and new reporting expectations, meaning more accurate, more sensitive results, and stricter equipment and procedural requirements. Ensuring your provider is compliant with the latest standard is essential to defend any policy legally.

 

Also critical:

 

• Informed consent: Employees must understand what’s being tested and why.
• Privacy handling: Ensure results are stored securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
• Device integrity: Use testing kits that are fit for purpose, verified for lab use, and centrally QC-checked.

 

 4. Beyond Testing: A Supportive Safety Culture

 When testing identifies a potential issue, how you respond matters. Consider:

 

• Clear pathway programs for support or rehabilitation
• Non-punitive approaches to first-time or disclosed cases
• Confidential discussions led by trained HR or wellbeing staff

  

As a safety leader, you’re not just enforcing rules, you’re shaping a culture where safety and wellbeing go hand in hand.

  

 5. Choosing the Right Partner

 Select a testing provider that understands your legal obligations and operational pressures. Look for:

 

• Up-to-date compliance with national standards
• Experience in your specific industry or risk profile
• Consistent support for both on-site and lab-based testing
• Clear result interpretation and reporting systems

 

 Empower your safety program with a compliant, compassionate, and strategic approach to drug and alcohol testing. Your workforce depends on it and so does your duty of care.