Recent statistics indicate that in the past 12 months almost one in 10 workers drank at risky or high levels on a weekly basis, and almost one in five workers used illicit drugs.

ADCA Chief Executive Officer, David Templeman, believes responsible AOD management in the workplace should be seen as a priority, particularly with high risk jobs such as those in the construction industry, emergency services, and health care. There is a need for a significant increase in workforce resources within the AOD sector to support those in need.

“AOD use can negatively affect workplace safety and productivity, which in turn has health, social, and economic implications for the wider community. The majority of Australians who use alcohol and other drugs are employed and it’s important to provide support to those who need help,” Mr Templeman said.

“A recent report put the cost in lost workplace productivity at $3.6 billion a year, and a comprehensive survey indicated some 79 percent of Australians didn’t think they had an alcohol problem, nor considered themselves as binge drinkers. However, 21 percent of the survey sample admitted they had passed out on at least one occasion from excessive drinking.”

ADCA’s new Workplace and Workforce policy positions call on Governments at all levels and industry to initiate coordinated improvements regarding AOD use, as well as the treatment and rehabilitation services.

“At present Australia has no national framework or strategy concerning the workplace and AOD use. This is in contrast to other countries where policies are a part of the national strategy to deal with AOD use and related harms,” Mr Templeman said.

“Evidence shows many Australian employers are prepared to meet some of the costs associated with the development and implementation of workplace AOD policies and intervention strategies. However, this is often hampered by limited availability of, and access to, good quality and cost effective tools, resources, and assistance.”

Mr Templeman said ADCA believed a series of supporting services could be created to help overcome this problem, including development of a website focusing on workplace AOD issues, and by providing assistance for the development and implementation of education, training, and policy/intervention strategies for workplaces.

“The success of any workplace intervention in reducing or preventing AOD-related harm is likely to have a flow-on effect to the wider community via a worker’s family, friendship and community networks, and that’s got to be seen as beneficial,” Mr Templeman said.

“Also needed is a coordinated approach to developing a national workforce development strategy which addresses the needs of both specialist and non-specialist AOD workers, focusing on issues like recruitment and retention,  as well as educational packages to enhance the skills of our frontline workers.”