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How Important is an Alcohol Pre Employment Test?

03 October, 2022

alcohol-pre-employment-test

The hiring process is an essential element in an organisation. Looking for the right candidate can impact the performance of the workplace. As such, many factors play a role in determining the right hire. Employers would look for the applicant’s educational background, training, and employment history to assess their skills and qualifications. However, employers also consider other aspects aside from the skills or credentials. Specifically, high-risk industries look into the person’s history of alcohol or drug use to know if they are fit for the job. That is why an alcohol pre employment test is crucial in determining if the applicant has a substance usage problem. Through this, the employer can make the right decision. 

Many people consume alcohol regularly. Unfortunately, high alcohol intake can impair the senses, perception, and coordination leading to many accidents. In particular, alcohol is one of the contributing factors in roadside and workplace incidents or injuries. Therefore, an alcohol pre employment test can help protect the workplace from the negative consequences of alcohol misuse. It helps identify if the candidate has a problematic alcohol behaviour that may compromise workplace safety. Hiring a person with a substance problem may cost the company more in the long run. Looking for early signs of alcohol misuse is critical to keep the workforce strong and healthy. 

Alcohol in the Workplace

Excessive alcohol consumption has many short-term and long-term effects. For example, high alcohol concentration impairs vision, hearing, speech, coordination or movement, and balance. It also leads to slower reflexes and critical thinking that may endanger everyone. In particular, jobs involving the operation of heavy equipment need a high level of concentration and alertness to perform the tasks well. Therefore, sectors like mining, transportation, construction, and manufacturing rely on regular workplace alcohol tests to maintain a safe and healthy environment. They have a zero-alcohol policy to keep the site safe and protect the well-being of everyone. In addition, an alcohol pre employment test helps employers hire the right person to perform the job safely and effectively. A successful application is contingent on the results of the alcohol test. 

alcohol-pre-employment-test-

Pre Employment Test

As alcohol-related incidents increase in Australia, many companies integrate an alcohol pre employment test as part of the hiring process. It helps employers effectively hire suitable candidates for the job. When we consume alcohol, it goes to different organs like the lungs, brain, heart, and liver. In addition, alcohol compounds can stay in the body for a certain time. As a result, different specimen tests can trace alcohol. Generally, a testing centre conducts a workplace alcohol test to detect alcohol use. The standard tests for alcohol are:

  • Breath – The most cost-effective procedure to detect alcohol. A breathalyser device like BACtrack captures the exhaled breath and estimates the blood alcohol content (BAC) through the sensors. In addition, it measures the alcohol level in the blood, indicating the degree of intoxication. It is also the least intrusive way of alcohol screening.
  • Urine – Urine is effective to screen for alcohol and drug substances. Urine tests detect alcohol for 12 to 24 hours from last consumption.
  • Saliva – Alcohol can appear in saliva for 12 to 24 hours. Saliva tests process alcohol using a chemical assay test strip. It can measure 0.02-0.30% BAC range. It is efficient to use if toilet facilities are not available. 

Workplace Policies: Alcohol Employment Test

The Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) of Australia obliges all employers to maintain health and safety by managing all preventable risks. One of the most practical solutions to minimise work hazards is implementing an alcohol program. In addition, a comprehensive policy helps the organisation carry out workplace testing. It includes the objectives, provisions, disciplinary actions, and assistance program. The program also covers various circumstances where an alcohol test is appropriate. Aside from an alcohol pre employment test, other standard workplace tests are:

  • On-site Test
  • Post-Incident Test
  • Reasonable Suspicion Test
  • Post-Treatment Test

An alcohol pre employment test uses a breathalyser device to measure the amount of alcohol in the blood. Breathalysers Australia has a wide range of professional alcohol testers suitable for workplace use. In particular, most BACtrack breathalysers employ fuel cell sensors to determine the BAC level accurately. Fuel cell sensors are the industry’s standard for reliable BAC tests. It undergoes an electrochemical process to oxidise alcohol in the breath. Then, the reaction produces electrical currents based on the volume of alcohol and translate it into BAC. In addition, fuel cell sensors are specific to ethanol and do not react with other substances in the breath. Therefore, they eliminate false positives. 

alcohol-pre-employment-test.

Significance of Pre Employment Test

Pre-employment tests are crucial in maintaining a healthy working environment. Specifically, an alcohol pre employment test helps decide if an applicant is fit for the job. In addition, consistent workplace testing deters alcohol and other substance use. Also, companies with alcohol policies must inform all current and potential employees that alcohol tests may happen at any time. Fortunately, managing risks is convenient through a breathalyser. The BACtrack breathalyser helps monitor sobriety efficiently. Moreover, the BACtrack professional devices like the S80 Pro, Mobile Pro, Scout, and Trace Pro has a wide detection range from 0.00-0.400% BAC. It means that they can trace the precise alcohol concentrations at the lowest and highest BAC ranges. 

Companies with alcohol policies report a significant reduction in casualties or injuries. They also improve productivity and have lesser downtime. Furthermore, consistent alcohol tests result in decreased absenteeism, turnover, and absenteeism. An alcohol pre employment test can help the organisation reach their targets and goals. On the contrary, hiring the wrong person can set back the company or hinder growth. 

Alcohol Testers for Workplace Use

A reliable device is critical in determining alcohol abuse in the workplace. Breathalysers Australia provides effective alcohol testers you can depend on. For alcohol pre employment test, random, or on-site testing, the BACtrack breathalysers can measure the precise BAC. Furthermore, operating the BACtrack breathalysers are quick and easy. Simply press the power button to activate and warm up the sensors. Then, let the employees give a long blow upon the blow signal. The BACtrack breathalysers analyse the breath sample and display the results in 10 to 15 seconds. 

You may also use a breathalyser personally to moderate alcohol consumption. Checking your alcohol level with a personal breathalyser helps you make better choices. For instance, you can slow down your intake to not go over the legal limit (0.05% BAC) for driving. Breathalysers Australia has different alcohol testers suitable for different needs. For example, for home alcohol screening use, the BACtrack keychain breathalysers are ideal devices. Meanwhile, the BACtrack smartphone breathalysers have Bluetooth connectivity to access your BAC through an app. In addition, the ZeroLine technology of BACtrack lets you estimate when your BAC level will return to 0.00%. Finally, the BACtrack’s Pro breathalysers are suitable for high volume testing, such as an alcohol pre employment test. 

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