October is National Safe Work Month in Australia, a time to shine a spotlight on safety across every industry. This year’s theme, “Safety: every job, every day”, is a reminder that safety isn’t an occasional campaign but a daily commitment. Among the many risks workplaces face, drug and alcohol impairment remains one of the most critical. Safe Work Month 2025 offers employers the perfect opportunity to renew their focus on drug and alcohol safety not just for October, but for the long term.
Why Drug and Alcohol Safety Matters in the Workplace
Workplace safety begins with recognising hazards that impair judgement, reaction time, and decision-making. Alcohol and drugs, whether recreational, prescription, or illicit, can seriously compromise a worker’s ability to perform safely.
In high-risk industries like transport, construction, mining, and manufacturing, impairment can lead to catastrophic accidents. But even in office-based environments, impairment results in absenteeism, productivity loss, and workplace conflict.
Under WHS legislation, employers have a duty of care to identify and manage impairment risks in the same way they manage machinery safety, fall protection, or hazardous materials. A strong drug and alcohol safety program is therefore essential for protecting both employees and business continuity.
Safe Work Month 2025: Turning Awareness into Action
The 2025 theme, “Safety: every job, every day”, is a call to action for every workplace. It challenges employers to go beyond compliance and embed safety into everyday culture.
During October, businesses can take practical steps to highlight drug and alcohol safety as part of their WHS program.
1. Host Toolbox Talks on Drug & Alcohol Risks
Short toolbox talks are a simple way to start conversations. They can cover:
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The effects of alcohol and drugs on reaction times and focus.
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The impact of impairment on co-workers and overall safety.
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The company’s drug and alcohol policy and expectations.
These talks help normalise discussions about safety and keep impairment awareness front of mind.
2. Run Safety Workshops & Demonstrations
Interactive workshops have a powerful impact. For example, inviting a safety partner such as Andatech to demonstrate workplace breathalysers or drug testing devices allows staff to see how testing works and why it’s important.
These sessions can also explore:
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Recognising signs of impairment.
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Safe reporting procedures for supervisors and workers.
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Support services for employees struggling with substance issues.
3. Review and Update Drug & Alcohol Policies
Safe Work Month is the right time to review workplace policies. A best-practice drug and alcohol policy should:
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Clearly outline testing procedures and consequences.
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Provide access to support programs such as counselling.
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Align with the latest WHS legislation and industry standards.
Making policy updates in October demonstrates leadership commitment to ongoing safety.
4. Engage Leaders in the Conversation
When managers actively participate in toolbox talks, testing demonstrations, and workshops, it shows that safety isn’t just a compliance measure — it’s a core company value.
Building a Safer Workplace Beyond October
Safe Work Month may last a month, but its purpose is to inspire lasting change. To maintain momentum:
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Schedule regular refresher training on impairment awareness.
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Implement testing programs for safety-sensitive roles.
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Normalise conversations about impairment so staff feel supported, not stigmatised.
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Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or rehabilitation services.
Safety culture becomes part of daily business when these practices are consistent year-round.
Practical Solutions: Andatech’s Role in Workplace Safety
Technology is a vital part of managing impairment risks effectively and fairly. Andatech provides trusted tools and services that help businesses meet their WHS obligations and build safer workplaces, including:
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Workplace breathalysers – reliable, calibrated devices that provide accurate results for alcohol testing on-site. Options include wall-mounted and handheld units designed for workplace use.
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Drug testing kits and devices – saliva and urine test kits for detecting a wide range of substances quickly and accurately. These solutions make random and scheduled testing simple to carry out.
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Policy and training support – resources to help businesses design, implement, and communicate strong drug and alcohol management programs.
By using solutions like Andatech’s, businesses not only comply with regulations but also send a strong message to their teams: safety is a priority, and everyone is accountable.
Expanded Practical Tips for Employers
To help you make the most of Safe Work Month, here are ten detailed, actionable tips to prioritise drug and alcohol safety in your workplace:
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Plan Ahead – Don’t leave activities to the last minute. Create a calendar of toolbox talks, workshops, and demonstrations to run throughout October.
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Tailor Messages to Your Industry – Use real scenarios. A transport company might show how impairment affects driving reaction times, while an office may focus on prescription medication misuse.
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Demonstrate Technology – Run a live demonstration of Andatech workplace breathalysers or drug testing kits so employees can see how the process works and understand its fairness.
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Make Policies Accessible – Print and distribute your updated drug and alcohol policy, or host a short Q&A session so employees can ask questions about it.
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Encourage Leadership Visibility – Have managers and supervisors open toolbox talks, reinforcing that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
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Use Visual Reminders – Posters, digital screens, and newsletters during October can highlight key safety messages and statistics.
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Reward Positive Behaviour – Acknowledge teams or individuals who actively engage in Safe Work Month activities. Recognition encourages ongoing commitment.
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Provide Confidential Support Channels – Remind employees about counselling services, hotlines, or EAPs, making it clear that support is available without stigma.
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Involve Employees in Planning – Ask workers what topics they’d like covered in workshops. Engagement increases buy-in and participation.
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Set Long-Term Goals – Use Safe Work Month as a launchpad. For example, commit to quarterly testing or refresher sessions to embed a year-round safety culture.
These steps not only strengthen safety but also build trust between employers and staff, demonstrating that drug and alcohol management is about care, not punishment.
Why It Matters
Safe Work Month’s theme “Safety: every job, every day” reflects the reality that impairment risks exist everywhere. From high-visibility worksites to office environments, drug and alcohol safety underpins productivity, wellbeing, and workplace harmony.
By prioritising impairment management this October, employers show their teams that safety is not a campaign but a core value.
Andatech: Partnering for Safer Workplaces
At Andatech, we believe that safety should be proactive and consistent. Through our workplace breathalysers, drug testing kits, and training resources, we help Australian businesses strengthen their safety culture and reduce impairment risks.
As Safe Work Month 2025 approaches, now is the time to engage your workforce, refresh your policies, and put safety first. Because when it comes to drug and alcohol risks, vigilance is not a once-off but it’s every job, every day.
