The start of a new year is a natural reset point for many organisations. New goals, new priorities, and a renewed focus on safety. While workplace alcohol and drug testing laws in Australia may not have changed significantly, expectations around safety, risk management, and fit for work absolutely have.
That is why the new year is the perfect time to review your workplace alcohol and drug policy. Not because something went wrong, but because proactive safety management is always stronger than reactive fixes.
A well-reviewed policy protects your people, your business, and your leadership team. More importantly, it sets clear expectations around safety without creating fear or mistrust.
Do workplace alcohol and drug policies really need regular updates?
Short answer, yes.
Under Australian work health and safety legislation, employers have an ongoing duty of care to ensure workers are not exposed to risks, including impairment from alcohol or drugs. This obligation does not stop once a policy is written.
Workplaces change. Roles evolve. Substances change. Testing technology improves. A policy written several years ago may still look fine on paper but no longer reflect how your workplace actually operates.
Regular reviews help ensure your policy:
- Reflects current work practices and risk levels
- Aligns with modern testing methods
- Is clearly understood by both workers and supervisors
- Supports safety without being overly punitive
Safe Work Australia reinforces the importance of managing impairment as part of broader risk management, particularly in safety-critical environments.
You can explore their guidance on managing risks associated with alcohol and other drugs at work via Safe Work Australia’s official resources.
What regulators and best practice expect today
Australian regulators generally avoid prescribing exact testing models. Instead, they expect organisations to take a risk-based approach.
This means your alcohol and drug policy should be:
- Proportionate to the level of risk in your workplace
- Consistently applied
- Supported by training and communication
- Focused on fitness for duty rather than punishment
Industries such as transport, logistics, construction, mining, manufacturing, and warehousing face higher expectations due to the consequences of impairment. However, even office-based environments are not exempt from the duty to manage risk.
A strong policy demonstrates that your organisation understands impairment as a safety issue, not a moral one.
Key elements every modern workplace alcohol and drug policy should include
A clear and effective policy should cover more than just testing rules. At a minimum, it should include:
Clear definitions
What does fit for duty mean in your workplace? How is impairment defined? What substances are covered, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and certain prescription medications?
Scope and application
Who does the policy apply to, including contractors and visitors? When does it apply, such as during work hours, on call periods, or work-related events?
Education and prevention
Policies are most effective when supported by education. Workers should understand why the policy exists, not just what happens if it is breached.
Testing procedures
This includes when testing may occur, such as pre-employment, random, post-incident, or reasonable suspicion testing, and what methods are used. Breath alcohol testing and saliva drug testing are commonly used due to their non-invasive nature and rapid results.
Privacy and procedural fairness
How results are handled, who has access, and what steps follow a non-negative result should all be clearly outlined.
For organisations looking to strengthen this area, Andatech’s workplace alcohol testing solutions and workplace drug testing solutions are designed to support compliant, practical policy implementation.
Common signs your policy may be outdated
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time for a review:
- The policy has not been updated in over two or three years
- Managers are unsure how or when testing should occur
- The policy does not clearly address prescription medication
- Employees are unclear on expectations or consequences
- Testing equipment or processes referenced are no longer used
An outdated policy does not just increase risk. It can also undermine trust and consistency across teams.
Resetting safety culture for the year ahead
Refreshing your alcohol and drug policy is not just about compliance. It is an opportunity to reset safety culture.
When policies are communicated clearly and implemented fairly, they support open conversations around fitness for work. They reduce stigma and encourage early intervention, rather than waiting for incidents to occur.
The new year is an ideal time to:
- Re-educate teams on safety expectations
- Train supervisors on having fit for duty conversations
- Ensure testing tools are reliable and easy to use
- Align alcohol and drug management with broader wellbeing initiatives
When done right, policy reviews reinforce the message that safety is about care, responsibility, and shared accountability.
Need help reviewing or updating your policy?
If you are unsure whether your current alcohol and drug policy still meets best practice, you are not alone. Many Australian organisations rely on outdated templates that no longer reflect real-world risks.
At Andatech, we work with workplaces across Australia to support alcohol and drug testing programs that are practical, compliant, and people-focused. From choosing the right breathalysers and oral fluid drug testing kits to advising on testing approaches, our team is here to help.
If you would like a consultation or simply want a second opinion on your current setup, reach out to us today. A small review now can prevent much bigger problems later.
