• Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Introduction

Best Freight Services is committed to providing, maintaining and improving the standards of health and safety in the workplace. This commitment includes maintaining a healthy work environment free from the effects of alcohol and drug abuse for all its sub-contractors.

Alcoholism and drug dependence are recognised as highly complex but treatable health issues which may interfere with a sub-contractor’s health and work performance.

Best Freight Services regards an individual’s dependence on alcohol and/or drugs as an illness and therefore encourages any sub-contractor with this problem to seek further treatment. Where practicable and appropriate, Best Freight Services will also aim to offer assistance to any sub-contractor with a drug or alcohol related problem.

1. Application of Policy

All sub-contractors of Best Freight Services, including all persons who enter the premises to perform work of any nature for Best Freight Services, no matter if that contact is brief in nature, are bound to observe and respect this policy.

Breaches of this policy may result in termination of the contract between Best Freight Services and the sub-contractor.

The sub-contractor must also refer to Best Freight Services’s Occupational Health & Safety policy which applies in conjunction with this policy. Both policies must be read carefully.

2. Definitions

“Company Premises”

Means all company buildings and offices, work locations, car parks, desks, individual lockers and any other premises where a sub-contractor is engaging in company business.

“Prohibited Drugs and Substances” and “Drugs/Substances of Dependence”

Means any drugs or substances prohibited by any State or Commonwealth Legislation (including regulations) and any drug or substance (other than as prescribed for medical purposes) which has the effect of intoxicating, or altering the behaviour of a person including but not limited to Alcohol, Cannabis, Opiate analgesics, Stimulants, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Hallucinogens and Designer drugs.

“Defined Alcohol Limit”

For the purposes of this policy the acceptable level of blood alcohol content (BAC) shall be the legislated requirement for persons in charge of vehicles.

3. Principles: Drugs/Alcohol & Smoking

Since the use of alcohol/drugs affects a sub-contractor’s ability to perform, sub-contractors must not be subject to the influence of drugs or exceed the legislated BAC whilst working and especially where mobile equipment or machinery is operating including, but not limited to: cranes, forklifts, trucks or any vehicle, etc.

Smoking (and passive-smoking) is major cause of serious illness

Smoking is not permitted at Best Freight Services in the Mandatory Non-Smoking Areas.

Non-smoking/Smoke-free areas (at present) include:

  • all areas where an occupational health and safety hazard might exist;
  • areas with sensitive equipment, computer systems or where records and supplies would be exposed to hazard from fire, ashes or smoke.
  • all areas containing “No Smoking” signs.
  • confined areas of general access such as lifts, toilets and stairwells
  • areas where food is prepared or stored.
  • places where combustible fumes can collect such as in garages, transport loading/unloading areas or storage areas, or where chemicals are used.
  • all INTERIOR spaces (i.e. inside buildings)
  • in ALL interior and/or EXTERIOR areas where another person requests that smoking cease.
  • Best Freight Services may, at any time, amend this policy to increase the number of non-smoking areas and to impose a total ban on smoking.

4. Education & Implementation

It is the responsibility of all managers and supervisors to comply with, and implement this policy.

Further it is the ongoing responsibility of Best Freight Services to ensure that all sub-contractors continue to be aware of this policy and program.

Sub-contractors should:

Report in writing their drug or alcohol problem to the company before it becomes serious enough to require possible termination of contract or where it may affect the ability of the sub-contractor to work in a safe and efficient manner.

  • Seek appropriate medical and or community help.
  • Agree to accept professional assistance.
  • The level of assistance provided by Best Freight Services will be assessed on an individual basis and Best Freight Services will endeavour to ensure that confidentiality be maintained.

5. Breach of this policy may result in termination of contract

Sub-contractors must accept responsibility for the standard of their performance and behaviour at work and must not carry out their work or behave in such a manner as may cause harm to themselves or to anyone else at the company premises. This would include contravening the alcohol, drug and smoking policy as set out above.

Breach of this policy may lead to termination of the contract between Best Freight Services and the sub-contractor.

6. Guidelines for Consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol shall only be served or consumed on Best Freight Services’s premises when approval is given by Best Freight Services.

An approved function must be specifically approved by a member of Management.

Alcohol will be provided in such a manner as not to encourage consumption to a degree sufficient to compromise the safety of a participant, company sub-contractors, or the general public or to reduce his/her decision making capacity.

An approved function can only take place in a hazard free area where responsible servicing of alcoholic beverages will apply. This includes provision of non-alcoholic and low alcoholic beverages.

7. Sub-contractors Authorised to Drive Company Vehicles

Under no circumstances should any sub-contractor drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of any drug or alcohol where the BAC is in excess of the level prescribed by law.

Any breach of this policy will void indemnity otherwise granted by insurers and render the driver liable for any damage sustained.