Alcohol and drug use in the workplace is a significant issue facing
employers, and if left unmonitored and unmanaged can lead to loss of
productivity, increase rates of injury and spiralling costs. Studies
estimate that:
CHG can help you reduce these risks and protect your business and
your people with a complete suite of services to identify and manage
drug and alcohol usage in the workplace.
Policy and Advisory Services
The first step in addressing drug and alcohol usage in the workplace
is for employers to establish a policy framework. Developed in
consultation with employees, an effective workplace policy needs to
clearly set out expectations and responsibilities.
CHG has the experience and capability to work with employers on all
aspects of policy development. CHG can tailor an approach to suit the
specific needs of the workplace.
Show more info
CHG has the experience and capability to provide any, or all of the
following advisory services:
- best practice research on workplace drug and alcohol management
- review of existing workplace policies and culture
- strategic advice about methods for consultation with staff and
workplace OHS Committees, or actual facilitation of the consultation
process
- development of the written policy documents
- strategic advice about policy implementation and roll-out to
staff, or actual facilitation of the roll-out
- review of policy framework at defined intervals.
Other services provided by CHG can also assist employers with the
management of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. CHG Employee Assistance Programs
can help employees deal with situations such as substance abuse and
addiction, or can help with stressors that may be contributing to the
use or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
Manager
Assist can help managers deal with the conflict or
difficult workplace situations that may arise from enforcement and
breaches of the alcohol and drug policy.
Pre-employment and On-site Drug Screening
A urine drug screen (UDS) can be conducted as part of the
pre-employment medical process, random drug screening or drug screening
for cause programs.
The tests implemented by CHG screen for five classes of drugs -
opiates, amphetamines, cannabis metabolites, cocaine metabolites and
benzodiazepines. There are two options available – site screens and
laboratory testing.
Show more info
When an initial site screen is used an instant result is provided
showing whether the candidate or employee is positive or negative for
the five classes of drugs. This is followed by laboratory confirmation.
The alternative option is for all specimens to be sent directly to the
laboratory for testing. A positive/negative result will then be
available in 24 hours.
An alternative to urine screening is Oral Fluid (Saliva) testing
which has a 24 hour window of detection for amphetamines,
methamphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, opiates and PCP (angel dust). This
also provides an instant result as to whether the employee or candidate
is positive or negative to a drug class, and a positive test is referred
to the laboratory for confirmation testing. Oral fluid is a less
invasive test and is recommended for random drug screening of employees.
CHG has the capability, experience and alliances with national
pathology companies to meet any alcohol and drug testing requirement
that employers may have.
Drug and Alcohol Management Training
CHG is a Registered Training Organisation that provides tailored
training courses and education programs in the areas of workplace
safety, injury management, human resources and workplace health
promotion.
Show more info
Drug and alcohol screening
CHG offers a one-day nationally recognised training package for
workplace personnel who conduct drug and alcohol screening. Training
participants are issued with a Statement of Attainment, having gained
knowledge and skills in:
- legislation relevant to drug and alcohol screening and fitness
for work
- the key elements of an effective policy, procedures and
workplace substance abuse program
- understanding different classes of drugs and their effect on
human function and safety at work
- the various options for drug and alcohol screening, and the pros
and cons of each
- practical skills in undertaking drug and alcohol screening,
including urine testing and oral fluid (saliva) testing
- actionable steps to establish a new drug and alcohol testing
program or to review an existing program
Tailored training options
The CHG team of experienced and qualified trainers can partner with
employers to design and deliver a range of training programs to manage
drug and alcohol use in the workplace. These training courses can
include discussions on the dangers of workplace drug and alcohol use,
the ways in which a drug and alcohol policy can be implemented and
enforced, or the way in which staff who deal with the general public can
respond effectively and safely to people who are under the influence of
drugs or alcohol.
CHG has the flexibility to deliver training programs that meet the
specific needs of an employer – ranging from one hour to half day
seminars, or “tool box talks” that engage with staff on the shop floor.
Drug and Alcohol Dependency Assessments
CHG’s team of medical practitioners, qualified psychologists and nurses
conduct drug and alcohol dependency assessments to determine whether
people convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are
fit to have their licence reinstated.
Show more info
These assessments are conducted to satisfy the requirements of
Section 80 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1959 and determine whether someone
is dependent on alcohol or drugs.
The assessments investigate the individual’s personal circumstances,
physical health and symptoms of dependence, drinking or drug taking
practices and details of past offences for driving under the influence.
If the assessment determines that there is a dependence on alcohol or
drugs, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles is informed that the individual
is unfit to drive.
DASSA Assessments can be conducted at any of the three CHG Clinics at
Mile End, Gillman and Elizabeth Vale. To find out more, contact CHG on (08)
8354 9800 or email us.