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October 12 2017

Getting tough on drugs and alcohol at work

Under Australia's Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW), every employer has a duty to eliminate risks to the health and safety of its employees. However, there are still disputes and unfair dismissal claims where employees and unions are challenging employer actions in tackling the work-related risks of drugs and alcohol, including the Endeavour Energy v Communications, Electric, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia case, where the employer proposed the uniform imposition of a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.02 for all staff.
 
James Mattson of Bartier Perry Lawers advises that preserving workplace safety should be a main priority and should guide any future policies.