Excessive drug and alcohol use is a persisting problem in some societies. It leads to many health issues and has negative impacts on the community. Furthermore, alcohol and illicit substances use can have detrimental effects at work. For example, it can disrupt work operations by causing injuries or accidents. In addition, it costs companies thousands of dollars every year in healthcare and compensation expenses. Therefore, tackling alcohol and drugs is a massive challenge in the workplace. As such, many businesses incorporate drug and alcohol tests as part of the workplace policy. As a result, the drug and alcohol test in a workplace can significantly improve productivity and reduce the likelihood workplace incidents.

High levels of drugs and alcohol can impair a person’s senses, judgment, and coordination. If unmonitored, it can lead to road and workplace accidents. Therefore, the drug and alcohol test for employment is vital for a workplace prevention policy. A comprehensive policy helps the workplace manage safety risks effectively. In addition, it covers strategies to maintain a healthy and safe working environment. In particular, employers implementing a workplace policy must collaborate with workers to establish well-formed initiatives, regulations, and testing programs. It is also important that staff knows the basis of workplace testing and the kinds of substances to be tested for. If executed properly, it can deter alcohol and substance use and promote healthier practices. 

The Drug and Alcohol Test for Employment

Many employees consume alcohol regularly after work hours. In addition, a small portion of the population also use illicit drugs every year. As a result, the recreational use of drugs is an ongoing public health concern in Australia. The risks associated with drugs and alcohol misuse also extend to the workplace. For instance, a person under the influence (DUI) poses occupational hazards to themselves and their colleagues. These impairments can lead to risky behaviours and erratic operation of machinery. That is why the drug and alcohol test for employment is critical for high-risk industries like mining, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. 

The drug and alcohol test for employment is standard to determine staff with substance use disorder. The employer would request a certified testing agency to take biological samples from personnel for analysis. In particular, workplace test screens commonly used illegal drugs and alcohol (ethanol). The standard procedures include urine analysis, mouth swabs, blood tests for drug screening, and breath tests for alcohol screening. In addition, a 10-panel drug test detects traces of illegal substances often associated with drug abuse. The substances in a 10-panel drug test are:

• Amphetamines
• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Methaqualone
• Methadone
• Propoxyphene

Alcohol Test for Employment

The drug and alcohol test for employment uses a breath test as a standard method for alcohol screening. The workplace or testing centre uses a breathalyser device to estimate the blood alcohol content or BAC. When alcohol enters the body, portions pass through the small intestines to the bloodstream. Then, the blood circulates to different body organs like the lungs, heart and brain. In particular, the alcohol stays in the lungs until it is exhaled or the body has completely broken down alcohol. A breathalyser from Breathalysers Australia captures the breath and analyses the sample through its sensors. Professional breathalysers mainly have fuel cell sensors that have high sensitivity to ethanol and do not with other substances. They oxidise alcohol in the breath to produce small electrical currents. The number of currents generated is proportional to the volume of alcohol in the breath or blood.

Companies typically use breathalysers from Breathalysers Australia like the BACtrack workplace breathalyser for alcohol tests during the drug and alcohol test procedures in a workplace. A breathalyser is a cost-efficient tool for detecting alcohol impairment in the workplace. Our breathalysers have one-touch operations to facilitate convenient breath tests. In addition, the BACtrack fuel cell breathalysers have a faster warm-up time and deliver BAC results in 10 to 15 seconds. For instance, if employees show signs of intoxication, you can ask them to take a breath test to determine their BAC level. Anything higher than 0.00% BAC is a positive alcohol test.

When to Conduct Drug and Alcohol Test

The workplace must have an established policy before executing the drug and alcohol test for employment. There are federal and state laws regarding guidelines an employer must follow when dealing with substance use in the workplace. However, employers have the right to prohibit drug and alcohol use to minimise preventable hazards. A workplace policy can enable employers to manage safety risks effectively and reduce liabilities from substance misuse. In addition, the policy must indicate the conditions in conducting a drug and alcohol test. The common scenarios for workplace testing are:

• Pre-employment – employers may require an alcohol and drug test as part of the hiring process. It helps determine if a prospective employee has substance use disorder that may compromise workplace safety. Therefore, a successful application depends on the test results. 
• Blanket testing – All employees are tested. It may be scheduled or periodic, or random. 
• Post-incident – A post-incident test is critical to determine if substance impairment contributed to the accident. 
• For-cause or targeted testing – A targeted test is essential if you have reasonable suspicion or evidence that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work. Early detection is critical in preventing accidents. 
• Return-to-duty – An RTD test is vital for employees returning from treatment or those with previous positive test results. They must pass the drug and alcohol test to be fit to work. 

Benefits of Workplace Testing

The drug and alcohol test is essential to maintain a safe and substance-free environment. In addition, risk management is more effective with a workplace policy. Worksites with consistent monitoring report a significant reduction of accidents and improved productivity. In particular, they have reduced downtime and turnover rates and improved attendance. Companies also integrate a drug and alcohol test to show integrity to the public. It boosts employee morale and has an overall positive image. Finally, a drug and alcohol test helps identify employees with substance use problems. The employer can determine and refer affected employees to an assistance program. 

BACtrack: Workplace Breathalysers

Using a workplace breathalyser is quick and reliable to determine alcohol impairment or intoxication. Furthermore, companies rely on the accuracy of BACtrack breathalysers in the drug and alcohol test for employment. Most breathayers from Breathalysers-Australia employ fuel cell sensors to determine the precise BAC level. In addition, the BACtrack fuel cell breathalysers like the S80 Pro, Mobile Pro, Trace and Scout maintain their consistency longer. Therefore, they are suitable for high-volume applications. Moreover, it is the same technology used by police officers in roadside screenings. Finally, Breathalysers Australia offers pro-grade BACtrack breathalysers for personal use. You may check from the vast array of alcohol testers ranging from keychains, smartphones and professional devices for your particular needs. Be safe and smart with the breathalysers from Breathalysers Australia.