Microsoft word - drug and alcohol use policy.doc

HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL POLICY REGISTER
POLICY NO.
POLICY TITLE
BUSINESS PROGRAM
The Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000 requires Hunter’s Hill Council to ensure thehealth, safety and welfare of all employees and others at the workplace.
It is recognised that the consumption of drugs and alcohol may have an adverse effect onwork performance and safety and it is Council’s intention to provide constructiveassistance for those staff experiencing difficulties with intoxicating substance misuse.
APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to all Councillors, employees (permanent or casual), contractors,volunteers and work experience students of Hunter’s Hill Council.
This policy applies to situations where council staff members are conducting councilbusiness.
DEFINITIONS
Alcohol and Drugs
Any alcohol based product, prohibited or intoxicated substances,which affect the central nervous system. Namely:  Opiates eg. Opium, heroin, morphine, codeine Sympathomimetic amines eg. Ephedrine pseudophedrine, amphetamines (benzedrine, dexedrine and methedrine)  Cannabis metabolites eg. Marijuana, hashish  Benzodiazpines eg. Librium, valium, mogadon, serepax Workplace
Any site or place at which work is performed, for example, Councilpremises, amenities, vehicles, roads, reserves, parks, or facilities.
Unacceptable/Anti-
Any behaviour, which is unsafe, threatening, or contrary to Social Behaviour
Council’s Code of Conduct policy. For example, behaviour whichis discourteous, arouses conflict, is contrary to the development ofteams, is harassing, intimidating, or physically violent.
Hunter’s Hill Council – Drug and Alcohol Use Policy
HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL POLICY REGISTER
POLICY GUIDELINES
CODE OF CONDUCT
The following sets down the standards required by Council of its staff: The use of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance during the hours of workis not permitted. Exceptions require the approval of the General Manager andwould be subject to compliance with paragraphs 4 and 5 of this Code. Suchoccasions where alcohol would be permitted include:  Council functions Christmas drinks Retirement of employees Celebrations / special occasions Other occasions as may be approved Any Council employee wishing to hold a special event where alcoholicbeverages will be provided will need to obtain approval from the GeneralManager prior to the event. A request will need to detail:  Purpose of the event / occasion Proposed date / time – including proposed finishing Estimated amount of people attending During such special occasions, staff should practice common sense anddemonstrate moderation.
When drinking socially in licensed premises or public places, staff who areidentifiable as Council employees are requested to observe a standard ofbehaviour which does not bring disrepute to Council.
Staff whose appearance evidences alcohol consumption or use of any otherintoxicating substance may not perform duties which represent Council tomembers of the community. For example, indicators of intoxication mayinclude slurred speech, unacceptable / anti-social behaviour, loss of motorfunction or alcohol affected breath.
In the interest of occupational health and safety, staff who have consumedalcohol or who have used any other intoxicating substance on a particular dayshould not, in the course of this day, undertake tasks associated with work asfollows:  Drive Council vehicles or plant, operate any machinery or use tools which may be hazardous to themselves or others;  Undertake any duties which may be hazardous to themselves or others.
Hunter’s Hill Council – Drug and Alcohol Use Policy
HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL POLICY REGISTER
Possession, consumption, distribution and/or sale of illegal drugs isprohibited at any Council workplace.
Sale of any drug, prescribed or non-prescribed is prohibited at anyCouncil workplace.
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
Hunter’s Hill Council will take action, appropriate to the circumstances when:  A person is found, by the consumption of drugs and alcohol, to be in such a state as to endanger his or her own safety at work or the safety ofanother person.
 A person is found in the possession of illegal drugs while on Council  A person’s work performance has suffered due to the consumption of In determining the course of action, consideration will be given to:  The state of the person at the relevant time.
 Council’s knowledge of any prior activity of the person which may have given rise to the present physical condition.
 Whether any illegal activity is being undertaken by the person while on  The nature of the work being performed at the time of the incident.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Awareness programs for all staff will aim at increasing levels of understandingof the consequences from an individual and occupational perspective ofmisuse of intoxicating substances. Programs will focus on effects, even at lowlevels of use, such as illness, accidents, lost productivity and futureemployability.
Training of Supervisors and Crew Leaders will aim at prevention, identificationof problems and the management of staff affected by alcohol or any otherintoxicating substance.
Hunter’s Hill Council – Drug and Alcohol Use Policy
HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL POLICY REGISTER
RESPONSIBILITIES
General Manager to:
 Provide appropriate resources to allow the content of this procedure to  Provide approval in writing, permitting the consumption of alcoholic Managers & Supervisors to:
 Instruct a person, thought to be affected by drugs and alcohol cease  Transport person to doctor’s surgery for assessment for fitness for work  Organise suitable transport to the person’s place of residence when it is determined that he or she is unfit to perform their work due to drug oralcohol influence. Provide transport if necessary to ensure safe travel.
All staff to:
 Advise their supervisors when they are taking prescribed drugs and unable to perform their normal duties.
 Ensure they are not affected by alcohol or drugs as to endanger their own safety and the safety of others.
 Advise their supervisor if they consider another person is affected by drugs or alcohol and likely to compromise the safety of themselves orothers.
 Be aware of the individual limitations in regard to alcohol consumption and ensure that blood alcohol levels are kept within legal limits.
RELATED POLICIES
POLICY AUTHORITY
The policy authority is the General Manager.
Hunter’s Hill Council – Drug and Alcohol Use Policy
HUNTER’S HILL COUNCIL POLICY REGISTER
GETTING HELP
For interpretations, resolution of problems and special situations please contact Council’sHuman Resources Officer.
TO BE REVIEWED
This policy is to be reviewed in 2010 or with any changes to relevant legislation or Councilpolicy.
ADOPTED BY COUNCIL
DATE: 12 November 2001
RESOLUTION NO: 535/01
AMENDED BY COUNCIL
DATE: 12 February 2007
RESOLUTION NO: 30/07
Hunter’s Hill Council – Drug and Alcohol Use Policy

Source: http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Files/Policies/HR_13.pdf