ABOUT ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS (AOD)
Alcohol, methamphetamine, other illicit drugs, pharmaceutical drugs and tobacco can impact health, safety, wellbeing and productivity.
NCETA’s WorkLife resources and other materials can help you respond to alcohol- and drug-related issues in your workplace.
Alcohol
Drinking is a culturally significant part of Australian life.
Alcohol has both short- and long-term effects on individual and workplace health, safety, wellbeing and productivity.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine stimulates the brain and central nervous system. The most common and strongest form is crystal methamphetamine (AKA ice). It can cause considerable community and workplace harm.
While any industry and / or workers can be impacted by methamphetamine use there are particular industries and workers who are at higher risk.
Other Illicit Drugs
Other illicit drugs are those prohibited from manufacture, sale or possession in Australia.
They may be used by some workers to help them cope with their job, physical or mental pain or for enjoyment.
Most illicit drug use does not occur at work. Nevertheless, using drugs outside of work hours can impact safety and productivity.
Pharmaceuticals
Include prescribed or over-the-counter medications. They may be used by some workers to treat short- or long-term pain, illness or lifestyle issues.
Even though they may be prescribed drugs they can still impact worker and workplace safety.
Tobacco
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable, disease and death in Australia. It can severely impact workers' health and performance. Workplace exposure to passive smoking is a significant occupational health and safety hazard. Under Work Health and Safety Legislation, workplaces are legally obliged to protect the health and safety of their employees, contractors and visitors. This includes ensuring that workplaces remain smoke-free.
