Transit Systems

DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY


CONTENTS


SCOPE 2

OBJECTIVE 3

DUTY OF CARE 3

Duty of the employer 3

Duty of employees 4

Work sponsored functions 4

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY STATEMENT 4

Education and awareness 5

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 6

PRESCRIPTION AND NON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION 6

DRUG AND ALCHOHOL TESTING 8

Testing Methods 9

Monitoring 10

TYPES OF TESTING 10

Confirmation Testing 10

Alcohol 10

Drugs 10

Post accident / incident 10

Reasonable suspicion 10

Random Testing 11

REFUSAL, INABILITY OR AVOIDING TO UNDERTAKE A TEST 11

TAMPERING WITH AN ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUG TEST SAMPLE 12

POSSESSION OR SALE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS 12

MANAGEMENT OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE RESULTS 12

REPORTING OF RESULTS OF RANDOM TESTS 14

NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES OF TEST RESULTS 14

GRIEVANCE AND COMPLAINTS PROCESS 14

Where a dispute exists with the testing process attempts must be made to resolve the dispute at the workplace level by discussions between the employee and the relevant supervisor and/or management according to Transit Systems’ policies and procedures as amended from time to time. 14

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (EAP) 14

POSITIVE RESULTS RECORDED BY CONTRACTORS 15

REVIEW 15

APPENDIX 1 16

SUBSTANCE REFERENCE TABLE- DRUGS and ALCOHOL 16

APPENDIX 2 18

OUTCOMES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS 18

APPENDIX 2 (Cont) 19

OUTCOMES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS (CONT) 19

APPENDIX 2 (Cont) 20

OUTCOMES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS (CONT) 20

SCOPE


Transit Systems is concerned about the effects on safety and work performance when employees present for work with the presence of drugs and/or alcohol in their systems. Being under the influence of alcohol, prohibited drugs, some prescription medications and some over the counter medications creates serious health and safety risks not only to the influenced employee but other employees, passengers and waterway users.


For the purpose of this policy the maximum allowable breath alcohol will be zero as mandated by M.S.Q (Maritime Safety Queensland). Drug limits will be set as per the Australian Standard 4308)


The following Drug and Alcohol policy applies to all employees including but not limited to:



Transit Systems’ Drug and Alcohol Policy has been introduced to ensure that all employees understand and comply with Transit Systems’ drug and alcohol level requirements to provide a safe working environment.


It is a condition of employment at Transit Systems that all employees will be subject to drug and alcohol testing to measure the level of alcohol and the presence of drugs that have the potential for impairment on an employee’s work performance on occasions such as but not limited to:



Testing will be carried out on the company’s premises and vessels at any time.


OBJECTIVE


The objective of this policy is to implement an effective drug and alcohol testing procedure at Transit Systems to achieve the following;



DUTY OF CARE

Duty of the employer


Transit Systems has a duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations to provide and maintain a safe working environment in which employees are not exposed to unacceptable hazards. Part of the duty of care includes ensuring employees are fit for duty when at work and to minimise risk to both themselves and their fellow employees.


Duty of employees


All employees have a duty of care under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations to take reasonable care to ensure their own and fellow employee’s health and safety at work is not exposed to unacceptable risks.


Work sponsored functions


From time to time a function may be arranged on company premises. Functions where alcohol may be consumed must have the permission of the Area Manager. During these functions low alcohol or alcohol free beverages may be served. It is the function organiser’s responsibility to ensure that any attendee who consumes any alcohol does so in a responsible manner.


Employees who attend such functions and have completed their duties are not subject to alcohol testing. However, employees who are working, or will be commencing work after attending any such function are subject to the conditions of this policy.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY STATEMENT


Transit Systems is committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees, contractors and visitors. This Drug and Alcohol Policy has been implemented to ensure that Transit Systems work places are free from the affects of alcohol and drugs.


All employees are to understand their duty of care and ensure that the following responsibilities are complied with;



Employees failing to comply with the Transit Systems Drug and Alcohol policy may be subject to dismissal.









Date: 7th August 2012

Neil Smith



Date: 7th August 2012

Lance Francis



Education and awareness


Information will be provided to all employees regarding drug and alcohol consumption and the Transit Systems alcohol and prohibited drugs testing program through various media and during the induction process for new employees. The program will promote awareness of the health and safety implications of alcohol and drug abuse.


Contractors will be advised in writing of the Transit Systems Drug and Alcohol Policy and will be advised that they will be expected to submit to testing if they are on Transit Systems sites when testing is being conducted.


DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

PRESCRIPTION AND NON PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION


The use of prescription or non-prescription medication may affect the safety and efficiency of an employee’s performance.


There are several types of drugs which may impair performance including:



Employees taking any prescription or non-prescription medication are responsible for consulting their doctor / pharmacist in regards to the effects the medication may have on their work performance.


Employees must advise their supervisor prior to commencement of duty if they are taking any medication that may affect their work performance or may cause a non-negative result on testing and the period of the time that the medication is to be taken.


Employees must notify their supervisor immediately any adverse side affects to the medication become apparent.


Consideration will be given to prescriptive medications that do not hamper the employee’s work performance, but may produce a non-negative result providing that the employee has advised their supervisor when such medication has been used.


DRUG AND ALCHOHOL TESTING


It is a condition of employment at Transit Systems that all employees will be subject to drug and alcohol testing.


(NOTE: in the case where drugs are prescribed for the employee, medical evidence is to be provided by the employee to indicate that the drug does not affect their ability to safely perform their duties e.g. letter from doctor)


Appropriately trained Testing Officers will conduct alcohol testing using Australian Standard 3547-1997 alcohol breath testing equipment. The testing officer will instruct the person being tested through the procedure.


Appropriately trained testing officers will conduct drug testing using Australian Standard 4308-2008 by means of urine analysis or Australian Standard 4760-2006 by means of oral fluid (saliva). The testing personnel will instruct the person being tested through procedure.


All initial on site non-negative tests, with the exception of THC, will be treated as negative until confirmed by an appropriate NATA testing facility.


The identity and details of any person who tests non-negative or positive, after confirmation testing, will be only made known on an “as needs basis” and will be kept confidential unless required to be revealed by law. The people who will have access to those details will be:



Testing will be conducted at Transit Systems and affiliated sites at a frequency subject to management discretion. The timing will be random and all employees on site may be subject to testing.

Testing Methods


Testing for alcohol will be conducted using a Lion SD-400 breath analyzer in accordance with AS3547-1997.


Testing for drugs will conform to AS/NZ 4308-2008 for urine sampling or to AS 4760-2006 for the collection of oral fluids (saliva).



Monitoring


Test results will be monitored and annual audits conducted on the results of the testing undertaken. This will determine the effectiveness of the policy and access if the expected outcomes of zero confirmed positive readings have been achieved and thereby assisting in maintaining a drug and alcohol free workplace.


TYPES OF TESTING

Confirmation Testing

Alcohol


Should the first alcohol test produce a positive result then the employee will be retested after 20 minutes during which time they will be supervised. During this 20 minute period the employee will only be allowed a maximum of one standard glass of water. No food or smoking is permitted during this time. The outcomes as detailed in Appendix 2 Outcomes for a Positive Result will be implemented. Should the confirmation results prove to be negative the employee is to be paid for any time lost.


Drugs


Should the drug test record a presence above the prescribed levels as per Australian Standards 4308 or 4760 - 2006 the test sample is to be analyzed at an approved NATA laboratory for confirmation of type and levels of drugs detected. The outcomes as detailed in Appendix 2 Outcomes for Positive Results will be implemented. Should the confirmation results prove to be negative the employee is to be paid for any time lost.


Post accident / incident


Tests will be conducted after marine accidents and or incidents. Employees who record a confirmed positive test result may be subject to dismissal.


Reasonable suspicion


Any employee who has a reasonable suspicion that an employee or contractor is under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall contact their supervisor or a Transit Systems Testing Officer. Testing will be conducted in accordance with the drug and alcohol procedures.


Random Testing


The random drug and alcohol testing procedure will apply to ALL company employees and will include contractors and visitors on site at the time of testing.


When undertaking a random test, the person being tested must advise the testing personnel if they are taking prescription or non-prescription medication that has the potential to cause a non-negative result for the drugs being tested for. The person must have already advised their supervisor of the expected effects of the prescription or non-prescription medication being taken that has the potential to adversely affect their ability to safely perform their duties prior to commencement of duty. Non-negative tests that are ultimately attributable to prescription drugs (specifically for that person) or non-prescription medication will have no further action taken.


Some prescription and non-prescription medication can interfere with the drug testing process e.g.:



A confirmation laboratory test can distinguish between drugs types.


REFUSAL, INABILITY OR AVOIDING TO UNDERTAKE A TEST


  1. If any employee refuses to submit to, or cooperate fully with the personnel administering drug and/or alcohol test, they will be counselled and encouraged to take the test by their supervisor and/or testing personnel.


If the employee is unable to supply a suitable sample at the time of testing then additional time will be allowed for the employee to comply. One hour is sufficient for most people to provide a sample.


If an employee refuses to undertake the test or cannot provide a sample over the period of testing then it will be considered as a refusal and acted upon as in paragraph 4.


  1. Employees on company premises or entering company premises while testing is underway or about to commence duty for the day will be subject to testing. A person deliberately leaving the premises before being tested will be considered a refusal and acted upon as in paragraph 4


  1. If an employee attempts to pervert the testing or test sample it will be considered as a refusal and be acted upon as per paragraph 4.


  1. Refusal will be treated as the highest positive result for the substance being tested and will be handled as such. If the employee continues to refuse the test then a positive result will be recorded for that employee and the actions as detailed in Appendix 3 will be implemented.


TAMPERING WITH AN ALCOHOL OR OTHER DRUG TEST SAMPLE


If an employee deliberately acts in a manner to prevent the effective operation of the testing equipment or test results the employee will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.


POSSESSION OR SALE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS


The possession, distribution or use of any prohibited drugs whilst on Transit Systems vessels or sites is unacceptable. Any personal found doing so will be subject to dismissal.


MANAGEMENT OF CONFIRMED POSITIVE RESULTS


A confirmation test will be conducted (see page 8) should the first test register a non-negative result. Should the confirmation test register positive, it will be dealt with as per Appendix 3 Outcomes for Positive Results.


All stages of disciplinary action will be formally documented and kept on the employee’s file for the duration of their employment. Transit Systems will keep the original documentation and the employee will receive the duplicates.


Employees with levels of alcohol registering more than zero and or positive levels of drugs will have transport arranged for their return home.


Before returning to work employees must register a negative result for drugs and alcohol. Drug tests must be undertaken by an appropriate NATA testing facility suitable for the drug/s that caused the initial confirmed positive result. The employee is to pay for any costs incurred in being retested.



REPORTING OF RESULTS OF RANDOM TESTS


Employee information and test results will be kept confidential however all confirmed positive test results for drugs and alcohol may be reported to any of the following personnel



The Area Manager will administer and prepare all the documentation and disciplinary action. Original documentation is to be placed on employee’s personal file. Copies of documentation will be given to the employee for their own records.


NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES OF TEST RESULTS


Employees who record a positive result will discuss these results with their Area Manager and Operations Manager. Negative results will not be conveyed to employees. In the event of a non-negative result being recorded and the subsequent confirmation test is deemed to be negative then the employee will be advised of the outcome.


GRIEVANCE AND COMPLAINTS PROCESS

Where a dispute exists with the testing process attempts must be made to resolve the dispute at the workplace level by discussions between the employee and the relevant supervisor and/or management according to Transit Systems’ policies and procedures as amended from time to time.


EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (EAP)


The EAP is designed to help employees who register a confirmed positive result for drugs and / or alcohol, to understand their situation, educate employees about their social habits and increase awareness of the effects that drugs and alcohol have on their health and work performance.


When attending counselling the employee will be assessed and with the help of the EAP counsellor, to develop a Management Plan for returning to work and a healthier lifestyle. The Management Plan should detail what steps the employee is willing to take to reduce the risk of returning a positive result in the future.


Attendance at EAP must be during the employee’s own time with a maximum of three visits at Transit Systems expense.


POSITIVE RESULTS RECORDED BY CONTRACTORS


If a contractor or their employee records a confirmed positive result they will be escorted off the site immediately, the contractor’s company notified and requested to make arrangements to convey their employee home. No further action will be taken by Transit Systems. However, if the individual who recorded the positive result wishes to return they must provide a negative result to any drugs and / or alcohol. Drug testing must be undertaken by an appropriate NATA testing facility and be suitable for the drug/s that caused the positive result. The contractor is to pay for any costs of being retested. The final approval for their return will be at the discretion of Directors and / or Area Manager.


REVIEW


This policy will be reviewed 12 months after the implementation by senior management in consultation with OH&S committees to determine its ongoing performance and overall effectiveness.


APPENDIX 1


SUBSTANCE REFERENCE TABLE- DRUGS and ALCOHOL



PROPRIETARY

MEDICAL USES

ROUTE OF

ADMINISTRATION

DRUG DETECTION TIME

Stimulants





Amphetamines

Biphetamine, Dexedrine, Black Bueties Crosses, Hearts, Speed, uppers

Attention deficit, Hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy

Injected, oral, smoked, sniffed

3-4 days

Cocaine


Coke, Crack, Flake, Rock, Snow, Blow, Candy, Charlie

Local Anaesthetic

Injected, smoked, sniffed

3-4 Days

Methamphetamines

Crank, Crystal, Speed, Ice

No legal use in Australia

Injected, smoked, sniffed

3-4 Days

Nicotine

Patches, Gum, Cigars, cigarettes

Treatment for nicotine dependence

Smoked, sniffed, oral, Tran dermal

1-2 Days

Hallucinogens and other compounds





LSD

Acid, Microdot

None

Oral

n/a

Amphetamines variants

DOB, DOM, MDA, Ecstasy

None

Oral

1-2 Days


Marijuana

Grass, Pot, Dope, Skunk

None

Oral

3-4 Days Light

3-4 Weeks Heavy

Opiates & Morphines





Codeine

Tylenol w’codine, Robitussen

Analgesic

Injected, oral

3-4 Days

Heroin

Horse, Smack

None

Injected, smoked, sniffed

3-4 Days

Methadone

Physeptone Biodone Forte

Analgesic

Injected, Oral, Smoked

3-4 Days

Morphine

Kapanol

Analgesic

Injected, oral, smoked

3-4 Days

Depressants





Barbiturates

Amytal, Sectoral, Phenobarbitone

Anaesthetic

Injected, Oral

2-10 Days

Benzodiazepines

Vallium, Serapax, Temaze, Roofies, Sleeping Pills

Anti anxiety, anticonvulsant, Sedative

Injected, oral

1-6 weeks

Ethanol (Alcohol)

Ethanol (Alcohol)

None

Oral

Male- 0.02%/ Hr

Female- 0.01% / Hr





APPENDIX 2

OUTCOMES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS


SUBSTANCE

FIRST OFFENCE

SECOND OFFENCE

THIRD OFFENCE

ALCOHOL

0.00 TO0.02%














0.02% to 0.05%



















Over 0.05%

VERBAL WARNING ONLY

  • Stood down for 2 hrs with pay

  • Negative result to be recorded before resumption










FORMAL WRITTEN WARNING

  • Suspended for 24 Hrs without pay

  • Recommended to seek counselling

  • Negative Result to be recorded before resumption.

  • Regular testing to establish pattern of negative results




EMPLOYEE WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL

FORMAL WRITTE WARNING

  • Suspended 2Hrs without pay

  • Recommend counselling

  • Negative result to be recorded before resumption

  • Regular testing to establish pattern of negative results



FINAL WRITTEN WARNING

  • Suspended 24Hrs without pay

  • Employee Must attend counselling.

  • Negative result to be recorded before resumption

  • Regular testing to establish pattern of negative results

EMPLOYEE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL















EMPLOYEE WILL BE DISMISSED


APPENDIX 2 (Cont)

OUTCOMES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS (CONT)


SUBSTANCE

FIRST OFFENCE

SECOND OFFENCE

THIRD OFFENCE

DRUGS



Cannabinoids

e.g. Marijuana

Less 100ug/l





















Over 100ug/L













VERBAL WARNING ONLY

  • Suspended for 24 Hrs without pay

  • Negative Result to be recorded before resumption (at employee expense)












FINAL WRITTEN WARNING

  • Suspended for 24Hrs

  • Employee must attend counselling at scheduled times.

  • Negative result to be recorded before resumption(at employees expense)

  • Regular testing to establish pattern of negative results.




FORMAL WRITTEN WARNING

  • Suspended for 24Hrs without pay

  • Recommended to seek counselling

  • Negative result will be recorded before resumption(at employee expense)

  • Regular testing to establish pattern of negative results.




EMPLOYEE WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL




EMPLOYEE SUBJECT TO DISMISSAL


APPENDIX 2 (Cont)

OUTCOMES FOR POSITIVE RESULTS (CONT)


SUBSTANCE

FIRST OFFENCE

SECOND OFFENCE

THIRD OFFENCE

THE SUBSTANCES LISTED BELOW ATTRACT THE SAME OUTCOMES




Amphetamines

e.g. Ecstasy

Over 300ug/L




Opiates

e.g. Heroin, Codeine

Over 300ug/L


Benzodiazepines

e.g. Valium, Sleeping Tablets

Over 200ug/L


Barbiturates

e.g. Anticonvulsants, Sedatives


Cocaine

Over 300ug/L


Methadone

Over 100ug/










FINAL WRITTEN WARNING

  • Suspended for one week without pay.

  • Employee MUST attend counselling at scheduled times.

  • Negative result to be recorded before resumption (at employee’s expense)

  • Regular testing to establish pattern of negative results.











EMPLOYEE WILL BE DISMISSED.




Drug & Alcohol Policy (APLNG & GLNG) (7/08/2012) Page 16 of 16