Workplace Testing. Traditional Stand Alone or Connected Technology

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1994), employers are responsible for the safety of workers whilst at the workplace. Workers also have a responsibility to be safe at work, for themselves and for their workmates. This responsibility on both sides includes keeping the workplace drug and alcohol free. This also includes the worker not showing up to work hungover from drinking the night before.

People under the influence of drugs or alcohol can kill or injure other workers as well as themselves. Alcohol and drug use can also lead to slower productivity, product faults and defects, and poor employee relationships. It is now commonplace that businesses are routinely testing employees with a breathalyser for the presence of alcohol.

Two types of breathalysers are used in the workplace. The first and simplest of the two is a breath testing only unit such as the BACtrack S80 Pro or the BACtrack Mobile Pro. These units require the user to blow into a mouthpiece. After a short period of time the breathalyser will show the concentration of alcohol on the employees’ breath. The second type contains the same breath testing function but also has an additional function known as breath screening. This device picks up the presence of alcohol, not the actual amount consumed. The subject simply speaks over the device and it will let you know if alcohol is present on the breath. This quick and easy test is commonly used as employees enter a large workplace.

Breath screening is most suited to high staff environments where a lot of tests need to be conducted in a short amount of time. If the employee fails the breath screen, then a mouthpiece can be fitted to the same breathalyzer. This will then show the actual amount of alcohol on their breath. If the workplace has a zero-alcohol policy then the first screening test may be enough for the employee to be stood down.

All employees involved in a workplace accident will be tested. Particularly if it involves serious injury or death. Anyone who is sent to a hospital after a workplace accident or car accident will be tested for the presence of drugs or alcohol. This test may be with a breathalyser, a urine test, or a blood test.

Employers need to think about several factors when deciding how they go about workplace drug and alcohol testing. The lowest cost option is to buy a breath test only AS3547 device such as the BACtrack S80 Pro. With some extra mouthpieces the cost could be as little as $200. The next step up would be a screening and testing in one device which will likely cost around $700.

If they do not wish to buy a breathalyzer then they may choose to call in a mobile testing company. This will typically be the most expensive option per test. Given that breathalysers are very affordable these days, buying one is a smart choice. This reduces the risk of exposure through legal costs, health & safety breaches and the like.

Not regulating alcohol or drug use in the workplace can be considered negligence on the part of the employer.

Although the testing process will take workers away from their work briefly, overall productivity would likely be higher. Product faults and mistakes would also likely go down. Employees will be more efficient overall through a safer workplace.

All businesses can test employees for drugs or alcohol however some industries are more likely to test employees than others. Those most likely are: Mining, trades people, transport (including pilots, truck, train, bus and taxi drivers), health industries, as well as law enforcement and corrections staff. Many of these industries will have mandatory regular testing built into their workplace processes. An employee does have the right to refuse breath testing. Refusal could be seen as not complying with company policy. This can lead to disciplinary action or ultimately dismissal.

Many companies who like to offer a drink after work on a Friday will opt to have a breathalyzer present to ensure that the employee leaves work safely under the legal limit.

If you fail a test as an employee, you could be warned and asked to attend counselling. If the company considers it a serious breach of policy and/or safety you may be instantly dismissed. A zero-alcohol policy is strictly adhered to by many larger businesses.

A business should always buy a fuel cell sensor breathalyser rather than a semi-conductor model. They may be more expensive but they are far more accurate. They are also less likely to give false positive results. This can be from other sources such as food, dust or fumes, or mouth wash. Fuel Cell breathalysers also have a shorter startup and quicker processing time. This makes them faster for testing large groups of people. They can also do multiple consecutive readings more accurately. Fuel Cell breathalysers can also be re-calibrated. This extends their lifespan and keeps them accurate for longer.

A workplace should choose a larger, hardier unit that can take regular, repeated use and the odd knock. Replaceable mouthpieces are also a very important consideration from a hygiene perspective.

Regular breathalyser testing of employees can be time consuming and possibly annoying for them and for you. Some employees may find it intrusive. You will be repaid however in higher productivity and a safer workplace for all. Employees will feel more comfortable and respected. They will also feel more secure, knowing that they are unlikely to be injured at work . Additionally, insurance, compensation, and poor work performance will all be lessened. You will likely save money and time in the long term.