Drug And Alcohol Awareness Training: Why It Matters

December 18, 2023

Matthew Simons - BPsych (Hons)

The ADA Australia facilitation team recently visited Patrick Terminals to conduct our flagship Drug and Alcohol awareness training program.

This training aims to assist participants to better understand the health impacts of drugs and alcohol and of the hazards they pose to safe workplace practices. It also examines worker obligations under a Workplace Drugs and Alcohol Policy.

Besides the evident risks to health and wellbeing, to relationships and to financial security, many do not realise the risks to careers – and to co-workers – from mismanaging these substances, and the lingering impairment from a ‘heavy night’ or ‘heavy weekend’.

The hard truth is that drugs or alcohol continue to factor in workplace deaths and in reportable workplace incidents. It is a work health and safety matter demanding attention of both workers and management.

Fortunately, there is increasing recognition that training and awareness around these substances – even of legal prescription drugs – can make workplaces safer and contribute to a more positive workplace culture.

Besides increasing business costs and productivity losses, misuse of these substances can strain work relationships, undermine morale and significantly increase risk of injury, trauma and death. Which is why we do what we do, and why being able to talk about these matters is so important to every workplace.

Patrick Terminals, one of Australia’s largest and most advanced container terminal operators, recognises the importance of talking, awareness and action around these substances.  

Committing to action through an ADA Australia drug and alcohol awareness training workshop, toolbox talk or webinar will get the conversation going at your workplace.

If you’d like to learn more about this program, or any of the other training programs we offer, please call ADA Australia on 1300 378 429 or email: enquiry@adaaus.com.au

Additionally, if this information raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, they can help you back to good health, or call a helpline: LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.

Article by
Matthew Simons - BPsych (Hons)