Effective alcohol and drug policies

Developing an effective policy

Under New Zealand law, both employers and employees have a duty to ensure their workplace is safe.

An employer should provide employees with the highest level of protection from risks, as is reasonably practicable. Dangerous behaviour resulting from alcohol or other drug use is a risk. Employees also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own and others' safety. They must comply with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health and safety, including a policy on alcohol and drugs.

Workplace safety can be improved, and impairment can be more effectively monitored, through good personnel management and being aware of signs and symptoms, while also introducing a proactive, supportive culture around recognising and reporting risks.

Core components

Drug testing may infringe the rights of an employee. Workplace policies must consider:

the right to privacy under the Privacy Act 1993
rights under the Human Rights Act 1993 and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990

Other things to take into account include sample collection procedures, the method of analysis and the handling of test results.

Generally, an employer may only require employees and other workers to submit to alcohol or drugs tests if this is a condition of their appointment and recorded in the employment agreement or other document.

If employers have jointly developed a process on alcohol and drug use then it is more likely to be followed.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Employment Agreement Builder could help you to implement a drug testing strategy into your employment agreement.

Drug Index

We believe that access to accurate, clear information is essential to reduce drug-related harm. This index provides harm reduction advice for drugs that are common in New Zealand.

Straight up guide for people who are using drugs

We are here for real people, in real life, whatever level you are at.

The Level

Are you drinking too much alcohol?

A safe space to talk openly and honestly about your relationship with alcohol.

livingsober.org.nz

Effective alcohol and drug policies

Developing an effective policy

Core components

More in this section:

Drug testing

Tips for employers

Drug Index

Straight up guide for people who are using drugs

Are you drinking too much alcohol?

Effective alcohol and drug policies

Developing an effective policy

Core components

Seek legal advice on Employee and Human Rights, and Treaty of Waitangi obligations

Be clear the policies form part of the employment agreement

Develop policies and processes in consultation with affected employees

More in this section:

Drug testing

Tips for employers

Drug Index

Straight up guide for people who are using drugs

Are you drinking too much alcohol?