Alcohol is a part of the social fabric of many Australian communities.
During the festive season, celebrations and end of year gatherings can bring alcohol into the workplace or make alcohol a bigger part of the working week.
But no matter what the time of year, alcohol consumption at work – or workers affected by alcohol they’ve consumed outside of work – can lead to inappropriate, and at worst, dangerous outcomes. Work and alcohol don’t mix – even in the festive season!
An occasional social drink may be permitted in some workplaces. But issues arise when excessive alcohol consumption affects an individual’s performance and safety in the workplace, as well as the safety of others.
Fast facts — alcohol in workplaces
- One in 20 Australian workers have admitted to working under the influence of alcohol at some point in their career.1
- Alcohol use contributes to 11% of workplace accidents and injuries.
- Alcohol-related time off work costs companies around $2 billion each year.2
How does alcohol affect your performance at work?
Work and alcohol don’t mix – even in the festive season! Consuming alcohol excessively can adversely affect your professional life, leading to:
- Compromised health and safety at the workplace due to impaired abilities.
- Detrimental effects on job performance and working relationships.
- Elevated instances of absenteeism and/or tardiness.
An individual’s capacity to perform their job at the expected standard, either set by their employer or self-imposed, can be influenced by alcohol — even if they are not visibly intoxicated during work hours.
An individual’s alcohol consumption may negatively impact their colleagues, too.
Around a third of Australian workers have experienced negative effects from a colleague’s use of alcohol, including being involved in an accident or close call, having to work extra hours to cover for a colleague, and reduced ability to do their assigned job due to their colleague taking time off work7.
Health and safety risks of alcohol consumption at work
Critically, employees under the influence of alcohol endanger themselves and those around them; presenting serious safety risks and potentially fatal outcomes.
The consumption of alcohol and drugs can impair coordination, motor control, alertness, and judgment. These safety concerns are especially heightened in situations where individuals operate machinery, drive vehicles or equipment, or require focused concentration to perform their duties.
No industry is immune to intoxication in the workplace, but according to a nation-wide Australian survey conducted by Pidd, Roche, and Buisman-Pijlman, there are several industries that have higher rates of workplace alcohol use than others, including:
- construction
- financial services
- transport
- hospitality
Responsibilities of employers
Encouraging employees to make responsible decisions regarding alcohol consumption can foster a safer environment for everyone in the workplace.
During festive celebrations, limit the amount of alcohol being provided to employees. Further, ensure sufficient food and water are being served.
Ensure employees are made aware of their responsibilities and the expected standards of behaviour in relation to alcohol consumption, prior to events involving alcohol.
A comprehensive workplace alcohol policy, or alcohol and other drugs policy, should be a documented guide applicable to all employees.
The purpose of a workplace alcohol policy should focus on prevention, education, counselling, and rehabilitation — integrated into a broader occupational health and safety strategy.
It is best created by employers, management, and workers, along with their representatives such as health and safety representatives or union delegates and organisers.
Jobfit’s Drug & Alcohol Tests
With increasing awareness about workplace health and safety obligations, more employers are implementing drug tests for their workforces.
Our accredited drug and alcohol testing service holds the highest possible compliance and certification available today. Collections are performed at Jobfit centres nationwide by qualified and highly experienced health professionals.
Jobfit has MRO (medical review officer) services available where a qualified doctor can review the results, write their recommendations, and help employers develop fit for purpose customised drug and alcohol policies.
Click this link to request a drug and alcohol test.
Help is available if you need it
If you, your colleague, or your employee needs further support to manage alcohol use in the workplace, the following services are available:
- National Alcohol and Drug Hotline (1800 250 015): Confidential telephone counselling, information and referral service for the general public, concerned family and friends, students and health professionals.
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service (1300 13 1340): Confidential telephone counselling, information and referral by trained professionals, available to the general public, concerned family and friends, students and health professionals.
- Path2Help: Intuitive online tool designed to help you find support and information tailored to the specific needs of your loved ones who use alcohol and other drugs.
- BeyondBlue (1300 22 4636): Free online and telephone helpline for people with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
In short, work and alcohol don’t mix – even in the festive season!
1 Pidd K, Roche AM, Buisman-Pijlman F. Intoxicated workers: findings from a national Australian survey. Addiction [Internet]. 2011 [03.04.2023]; 106(9):[1623-33 pp.]. Available from: https://adf.on.worldcat.org/oclc/5153512281.
2 Pidd K. Workplace alcohol harm reduction intervention in Australia: Cluster non-randomised controlled trial. Drug and Alcohol Review [Internet]. 2018 [03.04.2023]; 37:[502–13 pp.]. Available from: https://adf.on.worldcat.org/oclc/7587467158.
7 Dale CE, Livingston MJ. The burden of alcohol drinking on co-workers in the Australian workplace. Medical Journal of Australia [Internet]. 2010 [03.04.2023]; 193(3):[138-40 pp.]. Available from: https://adf.on.worldcat.org/oclc/7927309996.
