Workers Compensation, WHS Reporting, and the Hidden Cost of Not Testing
How drug and alcohol testing affects workers compensation premiums, WHS reporting and due diligence. What Australian employers need to have in place.
Read the latest blogs and articles on alcohol and drug testing.
Stay Informed: Explore our blog for the latest insights on alcohol and drug testing, including research, regulatory updates, and helpful tips to ensure safety, compliance, and well-being. Browse all articles below or select a topic of interest to view relevant articles.
-
-
Chain of Responsibility and D&A Compliance: What Heavy Vehicle Operators Must Have in Place Under NHVR Regulations
What heavy vehicle operators must have in place for drug and alcohol compliance under CoR. Primary duty, DAMP requirements and testing standards explained.
-
The Hidden Hazard: How to Spot Next-Day Impairment in the Workplace
Next-day impairment threatens safety long after substance use ends. Learn the physical and behavioral red flags to protect your workplace and team.
-
How to Manage Drug and Alcohol Testing Across Shift-Based and 24-Hour Transport Operations
Practical guide for fleet safety managers running drug and alcohol testing across shifts. Configure systems, maintain consistency and build audit-ready records.
-
Building the Business Case for a Pre-Access Testing Program: A Decision Framework for Safety Managers and Finance Teams
A decision framework for safety managers and finance teams on the risk-adjusted case, technology options and cost modelling for pre-access drug and alcohol testing.
-
Drug and Alcohol Testing in Australian Construction Under the WHS Framework
Principal contractors: You are legally liable for all site workers' sobriety under WHS laws. Stop guessing. Implement site-wide, compliant testing today.
-
The Science of the Hangover: Debunking 5 Common 'Sobering Up' Myths
Debunk the myths. Discover the science of morning-after impairment and why relying on "sobering up" tricks puts your Australian WHS compliance at risk.
-
Medicinal Cannabis and Employer Obligations Under WHS Law
Medicinal cannabis prescriptions in Australia have grown at a pace few predicted. By the end of 2025, Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) data showed close to one million approvals, with prescribing...
-
The Real Financial Cost of an Impairment-Related Incidences
Protect your bottom line. Explore the real financial impact of workplace impairment in Australia and how a robust drug testing policy saves lives and money.
-
Why Drug Testing Programs Fail - A Culture-First Approach
Most drug and alcohol programs fail due to policy gaps and punitive culture, not equipment. Learn how to build a program that actually works.
-
How Your Business Can Monitor Excessive Drinking
Learn how to monitor workplace drinking effectively using Andatech’s AS3547-certified tech, cloud data, and interlocks to ensure a safe, compliant 0.00% BAC culture.
-
State-by-State: Drug and alcohol testing obligations for Australian mining operations
A state-by-state guide to drug and alcohol testing obligations for mining operations in WA, QLD, NSW, SA and the NT. Covers legislation, standards and compliance.
-
Double Demerits for Easter long weekend
🛑 Easter Double Demerits are LIVE in NSW, ACT & WA! 🐣 One phone tap = 10 points. Protect your licence and stay safe this long weekend. Drive smart, Australia....
-
Navigating the Trauma of a Drink-Driving Arrest or Crash
Navigate the hidden trauma of a drink-driving arrest or crash. Learn how to rebuild trust, access support, and how using Andatech can ensure it never happens again.
-
The Science of Sipping: Understanding BAC and Your Body’s Limits
Understand your limits: BAC measures the alcohol in your blood. From the 0.05% "buzz" to the 0.40% danger zone, see how alcohol impacts your body and safety.
-
A Parent’s Guide to Helping L and P Platers Stay Sober and Safe
Empower new drivers with a plan: set boundaries, practice in all weather, and use the Andatech GT to ensure a Zero BAC the morning after. Safety is essential.
-
AFL & NRL alcohol consumption: fan drinking habits revealed
Explore the latest drinking habits of AFL and NRL fans. New data reveals that while 54% of fans drink at the footy, 93% prioritize responsibility. Discover the push for zero-alcohol...
-
Surface drug testing explained: How to detect hidden drug contamination in homes, cars and workspaces
Learn how surface drug testing detects hidden drug contamination in homes, cars and workplaces and why testing matters before rentals purchases or re-occupation.
-
Five impairment risk questions every mining and energy safety leader should be asking
Discover the five drug and alcohol testing questions every mining and energy safety leader should be asking and how to act on them.
-
Labour day weekend in Western Australia: Double Demerits
A brief guide to double demerit points in Western Australia this Labour Day weekend.
-
How Bunbury Bus Service places safety at the heart of their service
Since 2005, Bunbury Bus Service has used integrated alcohol testing and ID tech to ensure safety, compliance, and streamlined reporting across WA.
-
The real value of substance testing in high risk industries
In high-risk industries like construction, aviation, and manufacturing, the margin for error is zero. When the stakes involve heavy machinery and hazardous environments, "good enough" safety protocols aren't enough. Our latest...
-
How breathalyser systems reduce risk in traffic management operations
Learn how breathalyser systems help traffic management companies reduce risk, support zero BAC policies, and improve safety outcomes on high-risk road sites.
-
Beyond compliance: Building a drug-free workplace culture
Discover how to build a positive drug-free workplace culture through leadership, education, support, and safety values, not just compliance and testing.
-
Year-end checklist: Calibrating and maintaining your breathalysers
A practical year-end checklist for calibrating and maintaining workplace breathalysers. Learn why accuracy and AS3547 compliance matter and book a service with Andatech.
-
2026 Refresh: Updating your workplace alcohol & drug policy
Stay ahead in 2026 by ensuring your workplace alcohol and drug testing policies are up to date. Learn practical steps to protect your team, maintain compliance, and foster a safer...
-
Fit for duty in the transport industry: What it really means
This guide breaks down how fitness for duty is defined under Australian safety laws, why it matters for heavy vehicle operations, and how alcohol, drugs and fatigue management play a...
-
Powering safety: Drug & alcohol testing in Energy & Utilities
Learn the strict WHS and legal requirements for drug and alcohol testing in the energy, water, and gas utilities sector, and how to maintain compliance.
-
How regular testing helps build a more productive workplace
Discover how routine testing supports accountability, legal protection, and long-term workforce performance.
-
Safe Work Month 2025: Prioritising Drug & Alcohol Safety Every Day
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...
-
Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Mining Industry: How to Ensure Safety and Compliance
Mining is one of Australia’s most safety-critical industries. Workers operate heavy machinery, handle explosives, and work in remote, high-risk environments where a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences. That’s why...
-
Dealing with positive drug tests at the Australian workplace
Manage positive drug tests the right way—ensure WHS compliance and protect your workplace.
-
Soberlive FRX breathalyser boosts workplace safety at Highways Traffic
Highways Traffic improved alcohol testing compliance and reduced downtime by switching from handheld breathalysers to Andatech’s wall-mounted Soberlive FRX, boosting safety across day and night shifts.
-
Crown Melbourne: Leading alcohol safety with Andatech
How Crown Melbourne uses Andatech breathalysers to support responsible service of alcohol, empower patrons to make informed decisions, and promote a culture of safety across its iconic venue.
-
Drug and alcohol safety under the new healthcare WHS Code
Here’s what you need to know about meeting your duty of care and keeping staff and patients safe that is in line with the new Model Code of Practice highlights...
-
How to talk about drug and alcohol use at work
We have prepared this guide to share practical, respectful strategies to approach conversations around alcohol and drug use in Australian workplaces, supporting safety and wellbeing without judgment.
-
Burnout and substance use: Hidden risks in your workforce
Stress and burnout aren’t just bad for morale — they’re closely linked to rising substance use at work. Learn how psychological distress fuels drug and alcohol risks, and what your...
-
Workplace drug & alcohol testing laws in Queensland
Queensland workplaces are governed by strict health and safety obligations—especially when it comes to drug and alcohol use on the job. While many Australians are familiar with national WHS guidelines,...
-
Vaping in the workplace: What Australian employers need to know
As vaping becomes more widespread, Australian employers are facing new challenges. Is vaping allowed indoors? How does it impact health, safety, and workplace culture? Here’s what you need to know.
-
The risk of next-day alcohol impairment in Australian workplaces
A 0.00% BAC doesn’t always mean a worker is fit for duty. In safety-sensitive industries, next-day alcohol impairment can still put your workplace at risk. Learn how to spot it...
-
Choosing the right drug testing kit for the occasion
Choosing the right drug testing kit depends on the situation. Whether you're hiring, responding to an incident, or testing at home, learn when to use urine vs saliva tests —...
-
Why meet Andatech at the WHS Show this week?
Andatech returns to the WHS Show in Melbourne this week! Visit Stand J21 to see live demos of our latest workplace breathalysers and drug testing kits, enter our raffle, and...
-
Educating parents and students about school drug testing
School drug testing can be sensitive, but with the right communication, it becomes a tool for early intervention and student wellbeing. Here’s how schools can engage parents and students respectfully.
-
Why mentally safe workplaces are drug-safe workplaces
With rising mental health claims and substance misuse linked to stress, bullying, and poor job design, businesses can no longer ignore the connection between mental wellbeing and drug safety. This...
-
When should you drug test your employees? (And when you can’t)
Not sure when it’s okay to drug test your employees? This guide explains the right times to test, when it’s not legally allowed, and how to stay compliant in Australia.
-
What to include in your drug & alcohol policy (Australia)
Set the standard for safety, fairness, and compliance in your workplace.
-
Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing in Australia
Learn the best practices to better implement a pre-employment drug screening process in your organisation to help maintain a drug-free environment in your workplace.
-
Best practices for holistic post-incident drug testing
Post-incident drug and alcohol testing is a vital part of any workplace safety strategy. This guide explores when to test, what to avoid, and the certified tools every business should...
-
Random drug testing at the workplace: All you need to know
Random drug testing helps maintain a safe and drug-free workplace by detecting substance use before it becomes a safety risk. But how does it work? What are employee rights, and...
-
IWD 2025: Improving workplace safety for women
Creating a safer workplace for women requires proactive measures like drug and alcohol testing, stronger policies, and better training. Learn how businesses can prioritise safety and compliance in 2025.
