Drug and Alcohol Policy

PURPOSE

Hatrix Recruitment recognises alcohol or other drug abuse can impair short-term or long-term work performance and is an occupational health and safety risk.

 

Hatrix Recruitment will do its utmost to create and maintain a safe, healthy and productive workplace for all employees. Hatrix Recruitment has a zero tolerance policy in regards to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs on their premises or host employer premises. Hatrix Recruitment does not tolerate employees attending work under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This may result in management action up to and including dismissal from employment.

OBLIGATIONS

The following must be strictly observed by all employees:

 

  • The possession, sale or distribution of illegal drugs on workplace premises is strictly prohibited and will lead to instant dismissal.
  • Employees must not consume alcohol on workplace premises. Prior approval from Senior Management is essential when attending authorised work events that may contain alcohol.
  • Employees must not come to work if their capacity to drive a vehicle or safely perform their work is affected by alcohol or drugs. Any employee who is using over-the-counter drugs or prescription medication that may affect their capacity to perform their duties safely (e.g. driving a vehicle, operating machinery, using dangerous chemicals) must notify their manager or supervisor, prior to the commencement of work.
  • If employees have been prescribed over-the-counter or prescription medication that may affect their performance or ability to work safely they must notify their manager or supervisor, before commencement of work, to determine their capacity to work safely and effectively while taking over-the-counter or prescription medication. Evidence to determine fitness for work can include the medication’s information sheet.
  • If employees have been prescribed over-the-counter or prescription medication that may affect their performance or ability to work safely they must, upon request, provide appropriate evidence or a medical certificate to support the consumption of the over-the-counter or prescription medication.
  • All employees are expected to support and comply with the Drug & Alcohol Policy and undergo drug and alcohol testing when required.
  • Employees must inform the organisation and may request assistance if they have an ongoing drug or alcohol problem or addiction that is likely to adversely affect their work performance.
  • Employees must disclose any offence resulting in a charge or conviction under the laws pertaining to drugs at any time. Offending employees may be liable to immediate dismissal.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

Hatrix Recruitment reserves the right to conduct drug and/or alcohol testing in the form of:


  • If you are suspected to be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescription medication that affects your fitness for work you may not be permitted to commence or continue work. Transport home will be arranged at the employee’s expense if no other transport can be arranged by the employee.
  1. Random testing where employees are selected at random
  2. Critical incident testing where any employee involved in an incident affecting safety, property damage or similar may be tested
  3. For cause testing where Hatrix Recruitment may require any employee to undergo testing if Hatrix Recruitment reasonably believes an employee may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Circumstances leading to for cause testing could include, but is not limited to, unusual behaviour, poor work performance, or patterns of absenteeism.
  • If you are suspected to be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescription medication that affects your fitness for work you may not be permitted to commence or continue work. Transport home will be arranged at the employee’s expense if no other transport can be arranged by the employee.
  • Testing procedures may be carried out at the workplace or an appropriate off-site facility, and participating employees will be made aware of the results.
  • Testing may be completed using collection of saliva, urine, blood or breath samples.

REFUSAL TO TAKE A TEST

Employees should note that a refusal to take a drug or alcohol test will be deemed a positive test result.

CONSEQUENCES OF RESULTS

Negative Result: In the event of a negative result, the employee and relevant manager will be advised of the result and the employee allowed to resume work when appropriate.

Unconfirmed Positive Result: Where initial tests return a non-negative result, the employee will be suspended from work duties and the sample will be sent for confirmation.

Positive Result: A confirmed positive result may result in management action up to and including dismissal from employment. Hatrix Recruitment reserves the right to summarily dismiss any employee who returns a confirmed positive result or refuses to take a drug or alcohol test.