Safety should be the main concern

We chat to Angus MacArthur, director of Alcohol Breathalysers, who emphasises that safety is the primary reason why breath alcohol testing should be implemented in workplaces.

It is critically important to ensure that employees do not work, drive, or operate machinery whilst they are under the influence of alcohol, because alcohol inhibits the ability to work and drive safely. An intoxicated worker or driver can cause severe harm or death to themselves, other workers, or road users.

In an effort to reduce the risk of harm or death, MacArthur emphasises that mandatory breath alcohol testing of all employees should be carried out at workplace entrance points, high-risk internal points, and virtually anywhere that employees are required to perform their duties. Interlock breathalysers can be installed in vehicles and random breath alcohol testing should also be carried out on an as-and-when-needed basis to ensure that employees remain safe at all times during the course of their shifts.

Any employee who tests positive for alcohol should be prevented from entering a workplace, removed if already inside, or prevented from driving until such time as they test 0.00mg/l BrAC (breath alcohol concentration) or the equivalent of 0.00% BAC (blood alcohol content) on a breathalyser. Where specific breath and blood alcohol limits exist in terms of company policies or legal limits, adherence to those limits should be followed.

Insufficient breathalyser equipment, a lack of policies, and a poor understanding of the risks associated with being intoxicated whilst on duty can have fatal and long-term implications; the aim should be to ensure the safety and sobriety of workers at all times.

MacArthur stresses that the use of breathalysers in workplaces originates from a place of health and safety, which is supported by the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as the Mine Health and Safety Act in South Africa.

In many instances, when employees test positive for alcohol when arriving at work or fail a breathalyser test whilst on duty, it is deemed to be a serious offence and can result in disciplinary action being taken against the employee. Their non-compliance with company drug and alcohol policies is usually a contravention of the terms and conditions of an employment contract. In many cases this can result in dismissal.

Although employers may choose to dismiss an employee for a first-time offence (depending on its severity), MacArthur emphasises that fair labour processes should always be followed. Where death, injury, or significant damage occurs as a result of an employee working or driving under the influence of alcohol, a comprehensive investigation should take place and a strong case should be built against the offender. 

In cases which are not severe, it is recommended that warnings be issued, followed by documented counselling and education about the risks associated with being intoxicated whilst on duty. In cases where an employee continues to arrive at work under the influence of alcohol, a final warning may be necessary when it becomes clear that the employee exhibits a complete disregard for workplace safety.

Applying a safety-driven approach to breath alcohol testing in the workplace will ultimately save lives and reduce harm.

You can interact with Alcohol Breathalysers via its social media pages to promote workplace and road safety:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcohol-breathalysers-pty-ltd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alcoholbreathalysers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathalyserguy/

Twitter: @BreathalyserGuy