By Glenn Dobson, CEO, The Drug Detection Agency

It’s that time of year again, when businesses must manage the ‘post‑holiday hangover’. Seasonal and summer celebrations and a return‑to‑work routine are converging to create workplace risk. What employees do with their own time is up to them, but when substance issues linger and invade workspaces, the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must consider their health and safety obligations.

When celebrations linger, risks arise

As workers return to job sites, there’s a heightened risk of drug-impaired work performance. The impact of substance abuse or hangovers can be just as dangerous when working on complex infrastructure projects as it is driving a ute. Both demand focus and clear decision-making, and drug and alcohol impairment puts everyone in harm’s way.

Employers should remind workers that it’s time to reconnect with their colleagues and focus on the year ahead. They should also reinforce the company substance policy, and remind everyone that returning to work fit for duty is essential for a safe and productive workplace.

Studies show that all drugs, cannabis and methamphetamine included, cause hangover effects. Some of these effects can impair cognitive function for days. Smart businesses use return-to-work testing to ensure employees don’t compromise safety or productivity.

For businesses in the infrastructure sector, especially those operating heavy machinery in hazardous environments, the stakes are high. Substance abuse and impaired judgment represent extreme risk, with costly consequences. Without a clear, structured policy and return-to-work testing program, you’re playing with fire.

Why workplace testing matters

To remain compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (an Act where employer obligations have been under the spotlight of the courts in recent months), a PCBU must ensure that the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk when work is carried out. Drug and alcohol testing demonstrates that your organisation takes health and safety seriously, and is compliant with the Act. Testing also protects employees from injury and a business owner’s bottom line from costly legal action.

To further protect your business, employees and reputation, work with an accredited testing provider like The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA). Accredited companies will help to ensure that your policies are compliant and your testing meets robust international standards.

Risk and reward

Return-to-work testing is a great way to mitigate workplace risk, but you also want to support the health of your staff. Consider pairing testing with general health checks for employees. You can also partner with companies like TDDA through its occupational health arm Health Tick to provide essential health assessments, like pre-employment medicals, annual health monitoring, flu vaccinations and other specialised types of health testing. And remember, mobile onsite services for any testing will minimise disruption and make it easy to manage your team’s health and safety. 

Give your workplace its best chance to thrive in 2025 by investing in both testing and health services to promote a safe, compliant, and productive year. For more information, visit tdda.com.