Drug Use Trends & Statistics in Australia 2021

Increased Quality & Productivity
Employee drug testing should be a high priority when hiring a new employee. As part of the interview screening process, you can ask potential employees to submit to a drug or alcohol test to ensure that they are free from any abusive substances. Employees who don’t abuse drugs and alcohol will be able to perform at their full potential, produce high-quality work, and are more productive. Plus, as an added benefit, you create a safer workplace.

Employee Safety
It is the right of all employees to have a safe workplace. It is dangerous to have an impaired person at work. They might accidentally cause harm to their colleague, damage company property, or even themselves. Alcohol and drug-free workplaces will protect your employees, property and maintain a safe workspace.

Minimizes Health Insurance Costs
The higher the claims, the higher your premium payment for insurance. By minimizing the number of claims, you can reduce your insurance cost. Those employees with a substance abuse problem, are the ones who are more prone to health issues and are usually the individuals involved in workspace-related incidents or accidents. Alcohol and drug testing will help identify those drug-abusive employees and allow you to take proactive and appropriate action.

Reduce Employee Absenteeism
Sick leave due to drug or alcohol-related absenteeism is costly to a business. A substance abuser is 2.5 times or eight days more likely to be absent in a year. There is a financial burden and loss of employee morale that can lead to a less harmonious work environment. An alcohol and drug testing program will help prevent these occurrences from taking place in your company.

Minimize Work-Related Accidents
Health and safety in the workplace are a significant part of every business. When accidents occur, you should immediately perform post-accident alcohol and drug tests. If the test returns a non-negative result it should be then sent to a certified laboratory for confirmation, then the management can take immediate action. Additionally, employees who tested positive for drugs and alcohol might not be able to be granted any claims against the company.

Fewer Thefts and Claims
Conducting random drug and alcohol tests may provide a deterrent and protection to your business. Some who abuse drugs and alcohol may be involved in theft and fraud crimes to feed their habit. If a drug abuser is identified, it will allow you to take proactive actions to prevent theft and fraud in your company.

Minimize Recruitment Costs and Staff Turnover
Every training, hiring, and firing of an employee is expensive. By establishing an Alcohol and Drug Policy in your company, you help create a drug-free working environment where employees are satisfied, happy, and have no reason to leave.

Protect Business Reputation
By adopting an alcohol and drug testing policy, you can protect your business from risks and may avoid dangerous situations in your workplace. At the same time, you create a productive and safe working environment, this will result in maintaining your company’s respected reputation.