In the transport industry, being fit for duty serves a deeper safety purpose.
Being fit for duty means a worker is capable of performing their tasks safely, competently and without putting themselves or others at risk. This is especially important in heavy vehicle operations where even a small lapse in alertness or coordination can have serious consequences.
In this article, we’ll unpack what “fit for duty” really means, how it is defined under relevant Australian safety frameworks, and how operators can assess and support fitness for duty across their workforce.
Who defines “fit for duty”?
There isn’t a single universal body that writes a one-size-fits-all definition, but several legal and regulatory frameworks help shape how the concept is understood in Australian workplaces:
Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws on drugs and alcohol
Under WHS legislation, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage health and safety risks, including those related to alcohol and drug use. Workers also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and not adversely affect others. In practice, this means workers must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while at work and must be fit to perform their job safely.
Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Chain of Responsibility
For heavy vehicle operators, the Heavy Vehicle National Law places responsibilities on all parties in the transport supply chain to ensure transport activities are safe. Part of this is making sure employees are fit to work and not impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or other factors that could compromise safety.
Industry policies and standards
Many organisations develop their own internal policies that build on regulatory requirements and best practice. These may define what fitness for duty means in specific roles, including health indicators, impairment checks, and reporting requirements.
What “fit for duty” means in practice
“Fitness for duty” goes beyond simply not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the start of the day. It embraces a range of physical, mental and behavioural factors that influence a worker’s ability to perform safely.
In transport, this commonly includes:
- Cognitive readiness – alertness, clear judgement and reaction time
- Physical wellbeing – no impairment from injury, illness or substances
- Emotional and mental state – not overly stressed, fatigued or distracted
- Training and awareness – knowledge and competence for the assigned task
Being “fit” means having the capacity to carry out duties in a way that does not endanger the worker, colleagues or members of the public.
Why fitness for duty matters in transport
Heavy vehicle operations are high-risk environments where errors can have serious consequences. Impairment doesn’t just affect the person directly involved — it can endanger other road users, pedestrians, and the broader community.
An unfit driver may:
- React slower at critical moments
- Misjudge distances or hazards
- Make poor decisions under pressure
- Fail to safely control their vehicle
For this reason, fit-for-duty considerations are central to safety management systems and regulatory enforcement in the transport sector.
Common factors that affect fitness for duty
Several conditions can influence whether a worker is fit for duty on any given day:
Alcohol and other drugs
Alcohol and drug impairment affect judgement, coordination and reaction times. This is why effective alcohol and drug management programs are part of most serious transport safety systems.
Tools such as the DrugSense DSO8+ help organisations screen safely and quickly for substances before a shift begins.
Fatigue
Long shifts, night driving and insufficient rest all contribute to fatigue, which can impair performance much like alcohol or drugs.
Health and medical conditions
Illness, medication side effects and untreated health issues can compromise fitness for duty if they impact alertness or motor skills.
Stress and wellbeing
Personal or work-related stress, anxiety and poor mental health may affect decision-making and concentration.
How organisations can assess fitness for duty
There isn’t a single test that covers all aspects of fitness for duty, but there are several methods that, combined, give a clearer picture:
Pre-shift alcohol screening
Quick breath testing helps ensure drivers are not impaired by alcohol before operating a vehicle. Reliable breathalysers like the Andatech Sentry offer fast, contactless testing suited for the transport industry.
Drug testing programs
Saliva or surface testing can detect recent drug use, helping operators make informed safety decisions.
Supervisor observations
Trained supervisors can identify behavioural signs of impairment or fatigue and take appropriate action.
Routine health checks
Periodic medical assessments and self-reporting protocols help address physical or psychological factors affecting fitness.
Policy and training
Clear procedures and regular training help workers understand expectations and recognise when they or a colleague might not be fit for duty.
Communicating about fitness for duty without conflict
Addressing fitness for duty doesn’t need to be accusatory. Focus on safety and duty of care:
- Use neutral, safety-first language
- Reference established policies consistently
- Encourage self-reporting without fear of unfair treatment
- Support workers with education and resources
For example, rather than saying “you seem impaired,” a supervisor might say: “As part of our safety procedures, we need to check that everyone is fit to perform their duties safely today.”
Fit for duty keeps everyone safer
In the transport industry, fitness for duty is a fundamental safety obligation shaped by WHS laws, Chain of Responsibility principles, and good organisational practice. It encompasses not only the absence of alcohol or drugs but also physical, mental and cognitive readiness to perform the job safely.
Employers and workers alike have a role in ensuring fitness for duty, supporting safer operations and protecting the broader community. Reach out to us below for free consultation on creating a holistic drug and alcohol testing policy.
