Drug and Alcohol Policy

Purpose

P6 Projects is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment, consistent with the provisions of applicable health and safety legislation.  P6 Projects considers that work health and safety is the responsibility of all persons at the workplace.

P6 Projects’ clear, fair and equitable guidelines for dealing with issues relating to the use or abuse of drugs or alcohol are detailed within this document.

Scope and Definitions

This policy applies to all P6 Projects workplaces.

Definitions:

Alcohol is defined as any drink that contains alcohol.

Drugs include drugs as listed in AS/NZS 4308:2008 & AS 4760:2006 (or any updated versions, see appendix) are defined as a chemical substance, regardless of whether it is legal or illegal, which may have the ability to impair a person's physical and/or mental capacity. These may include synthetic and designer drugs, prescribed drugs, or non-prescribed drugs such as panadeine or cold/flu tablets and illicit drugs such as, speed, heroin, amphetamines, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, etc.

To avoid doubt, the determination of whether a medication may affect capacity is to be based on the packaging, or the Consumer Medicine Information Sheet, for the particular prescription.

Policy Statement

P6 Projects’ management believe the use of alcohol or drugs severely impair an individual’s ability to work safely, make decisions and react in time of need. As such P6 Projects cannot accept their use or possession at the workplace under any circumstances.

It is the responsibility of all employees to take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety and that of others whilst at the workplace and, part of that duty of care is to ensure they present fit for work in an appropriate physical, mental and emotional state that enables them to perform assigned tasks in a manner that would not impact on their own or another’s safety or work performance.

P6 Projects will endeavour to accomplish these objectives by:

  • Providing a safe place to work, free from the potential hazards created by the inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol. 

  • Supporting and complying with client policies and procedures regarding drugs and alcohol when engaged at their workplace, where these are equal to or better than those of P6 Projects. 

  • Having a fair, transparent and equitable approach to dealing with issues related to the inappropriate use of, or effects of drugs and alcohol and, provide support and guidance to P6 Projects employees, in the rehabilitation from substance abuse.

  • Explaining the requirements of the Drug and Alcohol Policy and related procedures so that all concerned are aware of what is expected of them and how they will be treated. 

  • Educating all staff that selling, distributing, manufacturing, possessing or consuming drugs, alcohol or any other substance which impairs their ability to carry out their duties during working hours and on \ in any property (including vehicles) owned or used by staff is strictly prohibited

  • Requesting staff inform their Manager \ Supervisor if they are taking prescribed medication that may affect their concentration or ability to work safely, so appropriate working arrangements can be made, if considered necessary

  • Requiring employees to act responsibly and in a professional manner when attending functions for or on behalf of P6 Projects where alcohol is made available for consumption and to ensure that where alcohol is consumed by an employee that they make / find alternative transport arrangements, other than using their own vehicles.

  • Alcohol is not to be consumed on company premises unless approved by the Director  or any of his / her direct reports.

P6 Projects reserves the right to test apprentices for drugs and / or alcohol on reasonable grounds and / or by random selection. P6 Projects will inform the apprentice of the reasons for reasonable cause to test. As the civil construction industry has a strict “zero tolerance” to the use of drugs and / or alcohol Apprentices that return a “Non-Negative” reading will be suspended immediately until further test results are confirmed which will either indemnify the apprentice or, if positive, will result in the recommendation for termination . The full details of how this Policy is administered are contained in the Drug and Alcohol Procedure.

Responsibilities

The Director is the officer responsible for ensuring that the P6 Projects meets all legislative obligations in respect this policy and ensuring employees are adequately trained to perform their work safely. 

Managers are responsible for ensuring that the principles of this policy are adhered to in all activities within the day-to-day operation of their service.

Access and Equity Statement - Access and equity principles are incorporated in to this policy to ensure an inclusive, safe, responsive and accountable system for all P6 Projects hosts, apprentices, trainees and staff.