WORKPLACE DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING

The Importance of Alcohol and Drug Testing in the Workplace

Did you know that 1 in 10 workers report being affected by a colleague's use of alcohol?*

The presence of alcohol and recreational drugs poses significant risks to health, safety, and productivity.

That's why implementing robust drug and alcohol testing protocols isn't just beneficial—it's absolutely essential!

Drug-related workplace accidents, lost productivity and absenteeism cost Australian businesses billions of dollars every year.

The experienced team at Initial Response Health & Safety provide certified drug and alcohol workplace testing enabling you to safeguard your employees and enhance business profits by reducing the risks associated with recreational drug and alcohol use.

workplace drug and alcohol testing in the workplace

Why Conduct a Drug Test or Alcohol Test?

Minimises organisational risk and liability
Fewer workplace accidents
Reduction in workers’ compensation claims
Reduced absenteeism
Increased staff morale and productivity

Flexible Onsite Drug and Alcohol Testing Across Newcastle, The Hunter and NSW

Initial Response Health and Safety offers comprehensive drug & alcohol testing solutions, including blanket and random testing using advanced saliva and urine technology. Our procedures adhere to top industry standards, following AS/NZS 4760:2019 for oral fluid and AS/NZS 4308:2008 for urine testing.

Our alcohol testing program uses state-of-the-art handheld breathalyser units in compliance with AS3547:2019, ensuring precise 3 decimal place readings from 0.000 to 0.400% BAC, with an accuracy of +/- 0.005% BAC.

We provide flexible scheduling, coming to your location at your convenience to accommodate shift work patterns, thereby minimising disruption. Detailed individual employee reports are prepared by the end of the day and delivered only to authorised company personnel.

For mandatory confirmatory testing, we partner with NATA accredited laboratories, utilising gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) for non-negative samples.

When to Conduct Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing

01

Pre-Employment Testing:

This screening verifies that candidates are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol before they join your team.

02

Random Testing

Conducted without prior notice, it is particularly useful for positions with elevated safety risks

03

Post-Incident Testing

Carried out following an accident to assess whether substance use contributed to the incident.

04

For-Cause Testing

Initiated when there are reasonable suspicions of substance use, based on observed behaviors or other indicators.

What to Expect During Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing

Our professional technicians conduct tests with expertise and attention, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining strict confidentiality. Trust our skilled team for reliable testing services.

Utilising state-of-the-art equipment, our tests deliver precise and reliable results, which are promptly provided to you.

Compliance and Testing Frequency

Diverse Testing Solutions:
We understand that every business has distinct needs, so we provide a range of testing methods tailored to meet those specific requirements.

01

Oral Fluid Testing

A non-invasive method using saliva samples is ideal for detecting recent drug use, offering a convenient and painless alternative to traditional testing methods.

02

Urine Testing

Drug tests, widely used for various substances, offer an extended detection window, making them ideal for reliable and comprehensive screening solutions. We partner with Breathalysers Australia because their services meet the high standards of AS/NZS 4308, ensuring accurate results and compliance. Their commitment to quality makes them a trusted provider for workplace safety and legal adherence. To learn more about AS/NZS 4308, the standard for urine testing in Australia, click here.

03

Breath Alcohol Testing

Fast and accurate, this blood alcohol concentration test provides instant results. Ideal for reliable and immediate BAC testing.

What to Expect During Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing

Chain Of Custody and Non- Negative Results

We ensure the integrity of every sample with a strict chain of custody process, from collection to analysis.

Our reliable sample management guarantees accurate results, maintaining quality control at every step.

If an initial drug test shows a non-negative result, the sample is securely sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for confirmatory testing.

We typically receive lab results within two business days after the sample is sent.

During this period, the employee may be temporarily removed from their duties, depending on company policy and workplace safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing

What is more accurate urine or oral testing?

Urine and oral fluid (saliva) tests both offer reliable results, but they vary in how long they can detect substances and which substances they are best at identifying. Urine tests can detect substances used in the last few days to weeks, depending on the substance, thanks to their longer detection window. In contrast, oral fluid tests are more suited for detecting recent use, typically within the last 24-48 hours. The decision between using urine or oral fluid tests should be based on your specific requirements and your company's guidelines.
Are your drug and alcohol tests compliant with AS/NZS 4308?

Yes, all our drug and alcohol tests meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4308, ensuring accurate and legally defensible results.
What drugs do your test for?

Our workplace drug and alcohol tests can detect a broad spectrum of substances, including, but not limited to, the following: Amphetamines Opiates Methamphetamines Alcohol (via breathalyser) Oxycodone (Oral only) Benzodiazepines (Urine only) Cannabis (THC) Cocaine
How often should workplace drug & alcohol testing be carried out?

The testing frequency for employees varies based on company policy, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Typical testing schedules include pre-employment drug testing, random testing, post-incident testing, and for-cause drug testing. For high-risk industries, more frequent employee testing may be necessary to ensure workplace safety.
What happens if an employee returns a non-negative drug test result?

A non-negative result triggers a confirmatory test via a laboratory. We follow strict confidentiality and procedural guidelines to ensure compliance and fairness.
One of my employees has received a non-negative (unconfirmed positive) result - what happens next?

If a drug test screening shows a non-negative result, the sample is sent for confirmatory testing to verify the findings. During this time, the individual might be temporarily removed from safety-sensitive duties while awaiting the confirmatory test results. The final decision will depend on your company's drug testing policy and the confirmatory test outcome.
What is included in an emergency response plan for worksites or events?

An emergency response plan typically includes site-specific risk assessments, evacuation procedures, contact protocols, first aid arrangements, and communication strategies tailored to your worksite or event.
Why do I need a custom emergency response plan for my business?

A custom emergency response plan ensures your business complies with WHS regulations and is prepared for incidents like fire, medical emergencies, or natural disasters—minimising downtime and legal risk.
Do you offer emergency response planning for mining and construction sites?

Yes, we specialise in emergency response plans for high-risk industries such as mining and construction, tailored to meet industry-specific compliance and safety standards.
What qualifications do your on-site health professionals have?

Our team includes fully qualified paramedics and registered nurses with experience in emergency response, workplace health, and event medical coverage.
Can I book a nurse or paramedic for a single-day event or short-term project?

Absolutely. We provide medical staff for one-off events, weekend festivals, or short-term construction projects, with flexible contracts to suit your needs.
Why should I have on-site medical staff at my event or remote worksite?

Having on-site health professionals ensures immediate medical support in case of injury or illness, improving response times and potentially saving lives—especially in remote or high-risk environments.

Employers must be prepared to address issues of non-compliance or non-negative results decisively. Establish clear policies and procedures in advance to manage these situations effectively, ensuring that your workplace remains safe and efficient.

By integrating these practices, Initial Response Health & Safety helps you construct a resilient framework for workplace health and safety.

Together, let's build a work environment where everyone feels secure, valued, and ready to contribute their best.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your business in achieving the highest standards of health and safety.

** Source: Dale, C. & Livingston, M. (2010) The burden of alcohol drinking on co-workers in the Australian workplace, Medical Journal of Australia, 193(3), 138-140.