The inappropriate use of alcohol before or during working hours can pose a significant safety threat to the workplace. Managing occupational hazards is one of the biggest challenges that employers handle. This is because regular alcohol consumption is common among employees during free time. However, it becomes a safety concern when intoxication affects work performance or causes accidents. Additionally, the prevailing use of alcohol can ultimately hinder business growth. Therefore, employers adopt several strategies to keep the workplace alcohol-free. Workplace alcohol testing is a cost-effective measure to limit the negative consequences of alcohol. Companies can use professional workplace devices from Breathalysers Australia to monitor workplace sobriety. 

Workplace stability is an important aspect of managing an organisation. Employees are more likely to stay long-term in a safe and healthy working environment. In addition, individuals perform better, knowing their well-being is a priority. Thus, workplace drug and alcohol testing is not only a safety measure for preventing accidents but also instrumental in maintaining productivity. Companies can avail of various testing procedures to monitor substance use or impairment. The new SHIELD Express Touch of Breathalysers Australia is a reliable and efficient device for workplace alcohol testing.

Workplace Alcohol Testing: Alcohol Trends and Effects

Alcohol is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide. Moderate amounts help people feel relaxed or stimulated. However, excessive intake causes severe impairments in the senses, reasoning, and motor skills. A person with a high-level Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) has difficulty standing, walking, and coordinating movements. Moreover, the decreased abilities increase the risk of accidents, especially in safety-sensitive roles. Particularly, workplace alcohol testing is mandatory in high-risk industries. Mining, construction, transportation, and production facilities regularly conduct alcohol screening to minimise the associated risks of alcohol. Some workplaces require a breath test before employees can enter the area. Workplace breathalyser devices are efficient in measuring a person’s BAC level. 

High-risk workplaces are more prone to alcohol-related incidents than others because they involve employees handling hazardous materials or operating heavy machinery. However, since alcohol consumption is wide and varied, it is also a serious problem across all industries. Many private companies implement workplace alcohol testing to deter substance abuse and protect the interest of the business. Furthermore, alcohol misuse impacts the following:

• Work performance and safety – An impaired person lacks focus and concentration. As a result, it can lead to errors, wrong judgment, and slow reaction time, which may lead to serious injuries. 
• High costs – Accidents lead to healthcare or insurance expenses and property damage. In addition, training new employees due to high turnover rates is more costly than maintaining a stable workforce. 
• Legal liabilities – Companies are accountable if an employee gets injured. 

Implementing Workplace Alcohol Testing with a Company Policy

Establishing a comprehensive company policy is a practical and fair approach to managing occupational hazards like substance impairment. It guides employers and employees on safety procedures and the proper conduct to minimise risks. Moreover, having a clear policy helps employees know their roles in maintaining a safe workplace. Likewise, it aims to develop long-term solutions to common alcohol-related problems. It enables employers to facilitate workplace alcohol testing under specific circumstances to protect all employees. Furthermore, it is important to observe the following practices when implementing an alcohol program:

• A written document accessible to all workers. It should include prevention, identification, and rehabilitation.
• Consultation between the management and employees in developing the policy.
• Conditions or situations for facilitating workplace alcohol testing.
• Obtaining employee agreement through a consent form.
• Initial screening and confirmation test methods.
• Confidentiality of each employee’s test results.
• Handling a positive test result and how carrying out disciplinary actions.
• Regular review and update of the safety procedures. The policy must comply with state or industry laws. Therefore, employers should also seek legal advice before executing the program.

Workplace Alcohol Testing Methods 

Employers can choose from multiple options to test alcohol. The common methods are urine, blood, saliva, and breath tests. Different workplace alcohol testing methods apply depending on the situation, such as initial screening or confirmation testing. Among these methods, companies use the breath test the most because it is non-invasive and give rapid results. The SHIELD Express Touch is an efficient breathalyser ideal for high-volume workplace use. It provides a reliable means of measuring the BAC or alcohol levels within seconds. Therefore, employers can determine individuals with current intoxication or posing hazards at work. Additionally, a breath test can be performed in plain view, minimising the possibility of employees circumventing the results. 

Companies administer breath tests to determine alcohol use within the last 24 hours. If employees show a positive BAC, the employer may require a confirmation test through a blood sample. A blood test is the most accurate test; however, it is also costly and the most invasive. As a result, a blood test is suitable to confirm the results of the preliminary screening. Other workplace alcohol testing also uses urine, saliva, and hair specimens. However, an EtG alcohol test through these samples is prone to false positives because it is sensitive to all types of alcohol. In addition, an EtG test is more suitable for monitoring alcohol abstinence.

Alcohol Breath Testing with the SHIELD Express Touch Breathalyser

A breathalyser is a common tool for checking alcohol in various settings like roadside screening, rehabilitation centres, and workplace monitoring. The SHIELD Express Touch of Breathalysers Australia is a robust breath-testing device for high-compliance environments. Hence, it can make workplace alcohol testing and monitoring quicker and more effective. In addition, the SHIELD Express Touch has the following features:

• Colour touchscreen: user-friendly touchscreen for faster breath testing.
• Test counter: extensive memory of up to 16,000 test records. It displays the number of tests taken on the screen. 
• GPS: GPS location services to record where the test was performed. It is ideal for monitoring off-site employees. 
• Downloadable data: the BAC results are transferable to a PC through a USB download cable. It is beneficial for reporting and backup purposes. In addition, it can help reference employees’ BAC data in the event of an accident. 
• Customisable record fields: allow fully customisable data entry to help record BAC per employee.
• Testing modes: choose between passive screening and active testing. 
• Sample port: attaching a sampling cup or mouthpiece for passive or active testing.
• Recalibration reminder: view the next recalibration date easily on the screen. 

SHIELD Express Touch: Passive Testing Mode

The SHIELD Express Touch breathalyser has a dual-operating testing mode through passive screening and active testing. Therefore, it can optimise the workplace’s time in administering alcohol breath tests to employees. In particular, the passive mode is ideal for quick workplace alcohol testing due to its fast turnaround. This test mode only detects the presence of alcohol, regardless of the concentration amount. Additionally, the breathalyser will give either a pass (green) or fail (red) result by taking a sample of the subject’s breath by exhaling, talking, or blowing at the sampling cup. Moreover, passive screening is practical for workplaces like mining or construction sites before permitting workers to enter the site. 

Workplace alcohol testing through the passive mode:

1. Firmly insert the sampling cup into the sample port until securely fastened.
2. Switch the device on by holding the On/Off button for three seconds.
3. Choose the Screening Mode by pressing Settings>Screening>On>Enter>Home.
4. Select Passive mode.
5. When the screen shows “Please Blow”, take a deep breath and blow at the sampling cup at a distance of 3-6 cm.
6. Ensure that the subject does not touch the sampling cup.
7. The screen will display “No Alcohol” or “Alcohol Detected”.
8. To end the test, press down on the Mouthpiece Eject to remove the sampling cup and hold the On/Off button for three seconds to switch the device off. 

SHIELD Express Touch: Active Testing Mode

The passive test mode is recommended for quick alcohol screening and to save on mouthpieces. However, workplace alcohol testing with the active mode is advisable for measuring the BAC after a passive breath test detects alcohol. This method uses a mouthpiece, making it less prone to external contamination. Moreover, use a new mouthpiece for each employee performing an active breath test. This guide can help facilitate the procedure:

1. Prepare the mouthpiece by holding the smaller end without removing the plastic. Tear away the perforated top section and firmly insert the mouthpiece into the sample port. For hygienic reasons, avoid directly touching the mouthpiece whilst inserting. 
2. Switch the device on by holding the On/Off button for three seconds.
3. Select Active Mode by pressing Settings>Screening>Off>Enter>Home. 
4. Select Active Mode. Air Blank Processing will appear for safety checking of residual alcohol. If alcohol is present, do not proceed with testing. It is advisable to take the test in an outdoor or spacious area where there are no contaminants to affect the sample intake. 
5. The Supervisor Name field will appear, where you can input the information or skip it by pressing Enter.
6. The Employee Name field will appear, where you can input the information or skip it by pressing Enter. 
7. When the screen reads “Please Blow”, take a deep breath and blow continuously to the mouthpiece.
8. The display will show the exact BAC reading.

Advantages of the SHIELD Express Touch

The SHIELD Express Touch is a compact handheld breathalyser for convenient workplace alcohol testing. Its portability makes it easier to conduct an alcohol breath test in remote locations than a wall-mounted breathalyser. Furthermore, it comes with replaceable attachments to enable passive and active testing. The mouthpieces and sampling cups are reusable and come with care instructions. Additionally, companies can effectively monitor workplace sobriety without needing expensive laboratory services. Instead, authorised personnel can administer a breath test and record the BAC result with complete employee information from the device. Then, you can extract the data to a PC through the USB download cable. The internal memory feature enables consecutive testing, especially for large organisations. 

In choosing a workplace breathalyser, it is vital to get a device that is accurate and durable. Moreover, certified devices ensure that the test results are valid and reliable. The SHIELD Express Touch complies with the Australian Standard (AS3547:2019) for devices intended for workplace alcohol testing. Having AS3547 certification ensures that the unit has been thoroughly tested and meets all the performance, testing, and recalibration requirements expected of the device. Moreover, the workplace devices at Breathalysers Australia utilise industrial-grade fuel cell sensors with police accuracy. Fuel cell breathalysers are ethanol-specific and do not react to other substances. Hence, it is less likely to produce false positives or interfere with the test results of people with diabetes or on a low-calorie diet. 

Workplace Alcohol Testing: When to Test

An impaired employee exposes the workplace to immediate harm. That is why early detection is crucial to preventing accidents. Management used to rely on physical signs to determine impairment. For example, a supervisor or manager identifies an employee with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and alcohol odour on the breath. However, some people may still be impaired without the physical signs of alcohol use. Workplace alcohol testing is an efficient way to determine current intoxication in a person and remove them from the work site before an untoward incident occurs. Moreover, employers conduct alcohol testing in the following circumstances:

• Pre-employment: the test helps determine if the job applicant has risky alcohol behaviour. It prevents employers from hiring candidates who may endanger themselves or others. 
• Random: checks for employees’ alcohol levels at any given time without prior announcement. Additionally, it is valuable in determining if an employee has an alcohol use disorder that may need intervention. 
• Post-incident: a workplace test is crucial to see if alcohol or other substances led to the accident. 
• For-cause: the management request an employee to take an alcohol test, especially if there is a reasonable suspicion a person is impaired. Therefore, supervisors and managers are trained through an alcohol program to recognise intoxication symptoms. 
• Return-to-duty: employees undergo an alcohol breath test after a leave of absence. It is also conducted on workers with a previous positive BAC result. 

Workplace Alcohol Testing Guide

A comprehensive alcohol policy enables an organisation to conduct workplace alcohol testing using various methods. The SHIELD Express Touch from Breathalysers Australia is a cost-effective device for monitoring alcohol in different situations. Moreover, it enables frequent alcohol testing through a dual-mode operation. The breathalyser also remains stable despite back-to-back tests in long-term use. This breath testing and breathalyser guide can help get accurate results:

• Take the test in a clean space or room, free from smoke, fumes, or other pollutants. Likewise, do not use hand sanitisers or alcohol-based products in the testing environment. 
• Wait at least fifteen minutes before taking a breathalyser test. Testing before this can cause inaccurate readings. In addition, the test administrator ensures that an employee does not insert anything in the mouth before the test.
• Do not blow smoke, food, or liquids into the device, as this could damage the sensor.
• Do not reuse the mouthpieces for hygienic reasons.
• Keep in a cool and dry place. Store the SHIELD Express Touch in the hard carry case when not in use to prevent foreign objects from entering the sensor. 
• Do not drop, knock, or shake the device excessively.
• Regularly recalibrate the device by contacting Breathalysers Australia customer service.

Benefits of Workplace Alcohol Testing

Alcohol impairment has detrimental effects on a person’s health and safety. An employee with a high BAC level often has low output or poor work performance. Additionally, alcohol misuse also leads to increased absenteeism and low employee morale. Therefore, workplace alcohol testing is an effective strategy to counter the negative impacts of alcohol. Companies that facilitate consistent alcohol testing report fewer accidents, injuries, or fatalities. It also helps avoid hiring people with substance abuse problems. Moreover, companies can ensure a healthy and safe environment through ongoing monitoring or wellness program for new and current employees. It also improves employee retention because of lesser turnover due to frequent accidents. Therefore, the workplace maintains high productivity and safety standards through consistent alcohol tests. 

Impaired employees tend to behave more unusually than when they are sober. For example, a high BAC level causes irritable or aggressive behaviour that may result in disagreements with co-workers. Thus, workplace alcohol testing helps minimise tension and downtime due to strained relationships. Furthermore, individuals perform better in a secure environment with minimal hazards. Lastly, a breathalyser allows employers to monitor employee impairment at a fraction of the cost of laboratory-based methods. Consequently, companies can test the workplace whenever necessary, like a near-miss incident or reasonable suspicion, and make an effective judgment. In addition, it helps workplaces mitigate legal risks due to accidents. 

Dealing with Issues of Alcohol at Work

Workplace alcohol testing aims to determine impaired employees and keep them off the work site to prevent endangering themselves and others. Alcohol consumption is a common pastime activity for many people. However, excessive amounts can lead to health risks, including alcohol dependency or disorders. Therefore, it has lasting effects on an individual and the workplace. Aside from the immediate hazard of high intoxication, alcoholism in the workplace leads to low output and high costs. Therefore, a breathalyser test can help determine if a person is struggling with alcohol abuse. Employers can provide counselling or treatment through the Employee Assistance Program. Moreover, companies can impose disciplinary actions for non-compliance. Thus, it serves as a deterrent for alcohol misuse. 

Workplace Alcohol Testing: What Can an Employee Do?

Safety-regulated industries impose mandatory workplace alcohol testing to minimise occupational hazards or accidents. Individuals with safety-sensitive roles must have zero alcohol concentration to perform their duties responsibly. Therefore, employees must effectively manage their alcohol intake during their free time. Government and health experts recommend adults drinking not more than four standard drinks in one day. However, it depends on several factors affecting a person’s BAC. For instance, the increase in BAC depends on age, gender, weight, fat content, water and food intake, medications, and metabolism. Using a personal breathalyser is an effective way to help control severe impairment or exceed the legal alcohol limit (0.05% BAC). Individuals can check their BAC every hour to help avoid drink driving or showing up to work the next day intoxicated. 

Personal Alcohol Testers at Breathalysers Australia

The rising alcohol-related incidents and high costs prompted more companies to implement workplace alcohol testing. However, individuals can help avoid accident risks by using personal devices like the BACtrack from Breathalysers Australia. Hence, employees can check their BAC before work to ensure they do not test positive in a breath screening. Most BACtrack personal breathalysers utilise fuel cell sensors, the same technology used by police officers in roadside screening. Additionally, BACtrack has an efficient one-touch button to enable alcohol breath tests in seconds. Furthermore, Breathalysers Australia offers a comprehensive range of alcohol testers, from keychain-sized units to smartphones and the Pro series. The BACtrack Pro breathalysers like the S80 Pro, Mobile Pro, Scout, Trace Pro, and Trace Pro Gen2 are FDA-approved and DOT-certified. Therefore, it entails they meet the requirements of an effective breath screening device for personal use. 

The smartphone breathalysers of Breathalysers Australia, like the BACtrack C6 Keychain, C8 Smartphone, and Mobile Pro, are Bluetooth-capable to connect with iOS and Android devices. Thus, they deliver the BAC results directly to a smartphone app after the breath test. Moreover, the BACtrack app allows tracking previous BAC results, customisation tools, and Apple Health integration. Furthermore, the BACtrack smartphone breathalysers feature the ZeroLine technology, which quickly estimates when the BAC level will return to 0.00%. Therefore, it helps individuals manage their alcohol consumption and ensure they have a zero BAC during workplace alcohol testing. 

Conclusion

The effectiveness of workplace alcohol testing depends on the accuracy and reliability of test procedures and devices. The latest SHIELD Express Touch from Breathalysers Australia is an efficient alcohol monitoring device for workplace use. It can determine alcohol usage in seconds and measures BAC accurately. In addition, it has customisable data fields to suit the particular testing requirements of the workplace. Lastly, employers can easily download the BAC information for reference or reporting purposes. Undoubtedly, investing in a reliable breathalyser like the BACtrack or the SHIELD Express Touch from Breathalysers Australia can significantly improve personal or workplace safety.