Since the beginning of May, ADA Australia has rolled out a number of drug and alcohol awareness training sessions for around 80 Patrick Terminals employees, with more sessions to be completed over the coming weeks.
The training helps participants to better understand the health impacts of drugs and alcohol, of detection times following use, of the hazards they pose to safe work practices and their obligations under a Workplace Drugs and Alcohol Policy.
The aim of these sessions is “to get the conversation going” around these substances and around positive strategies for managing hazard and risk.
Participants are armed with the tools to guard against negative behaviours associated with the misuse of drugs and alcohol – and even of legal prescription drugs – and to spot the warning signs if a colleague, friend or family member is substance impaired. And of what to do next to support that person.
A key part of the training is in discussing strategies to get discussion out into the open, and to address these matters in a supportive and empathetic way.
The feedback from participants has been extremely positive. Awareness of workplace risks, of the wellbeing risks and of the long-term health impacts of these substances is key.
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 can make workplaces safer and contribute to a more positive workplace culture.
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.