Drug and Alcohol Policy

Purpose

This policy establishes Westlink Logistics’ commitment to providing a work environment free from the risks associated with drug and alcohol impairment. It defines the standards of behaviour expected of all personnel, the testing framework applied to verify fitness for duty, and the support mechanisms available.

Scope

This policy applies to all Westlink Logistics employees, contractors, subcontractors, labour hire personnel, and visitors at any Westlink workplace, project site, or client facility. It applies to all persons operating or travelling in company vehicles or equipment, and to any person performing work on behalf of Westlink Logistics regardless of location.

Organisational Context

Westlink Logistics operates heavy vehicles, cranes, and specialised transport equipment in environments where impairment poses a direct risk to life. The organisation holds Chain of Responsibility obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and primary duty of care obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA). Defence and government clients impose additional fitness for duty requirements as a condition of site access.

Drug and alcohol management is a critical control within the Westlink Management System (WMS) and is integrated with the organisation’s broader fitness for work, fatigue management, and Chain of Responsibility programs.

Policy Statement

Westlink Logistics requires that:

• No person shall report for work, or remain at work, while impaired by alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription medication, or any other substance that may affect their capacity to perform duties safely.

• No person shall possess, use, distribute, or sell illicit drugs or unauthorised substances at any Westlink workplace, project site, or while operating company vehicles or equipment.

• The consumption of alcohol at Westlink workplaces is prohibited except where expressly authorised by the Chief Executive Officer for company social functions, subject to responsible service of alcohol and the requirement that no person subsequently undertakes safety-sensitive work.

• Personnel prescribed medication that may cause impairment shall notify their supervisor prior to commencing work. Medical clearance may be required before the person is permitted to undertake safety-sensitive duties.

• Commercial vehicle operators shall comply with the prescribed blood alcohol concentration limits under the Road Traffic Act 1974 (WA).

Fitness for Duty Testing

Westlink Logistics implements a drug and alcohol testing program to verify fitness for duty. All testing is conducted in accordance with AS/NZS 4308:2008 for urine drug screening and AS 3547.1:2019 for breath alcohol testing, using accredited laboratories and certified testing devices. The testing program comprises:

• Pre-employment: All prospective employees and contractors in safety-sensitive roles shall return a negative screen prior to commencement.

• Random: Unannounced random testing conducted across all operational sites at a frequency determined by the QHSE Manager, using a statistically valid random selection method.

• For-cause: Testing directed where a supervisor has a reasonable belief that a person may be impaired, based on observable signs and symptoms. The person shall be stood down from safety-sensitive duties pending the result.

• Post-incident: Testing following any workplace incident, near miss, or dangerous occurrence where impairment may have been a contributing factor.

• Return-to-duty: Unannounced follow-up testing for personnel who have returned to work following a positive result and completion of a rehabilitation program, for a period not less than twelve months.

Support and Assistance

Westlink Logistics provides access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and their immediate family members. Personnel are encouraged to seek assistance voluntarily for substance use concerns. Self-referral to the EAP prior to a testing event shall be treated confidentially and shall not, of itself, result in disciplinary action.

Non-Compliance

A confirmed positive test result, refusal to submit to testing, tampering with or substituting a sample, or any other breach of this policy shall be treated as a serious matter and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or engagement. Non-compliance by contractors shall be reported to their employing organisation and may result in removal from Westlink sites.

Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer is accountable for this policy and for ensuring adequate resources are allocated to implement the drug and alcohol management program.

The QHSE Manager is responsible for administration of the testing program, engagement of accredited testing providers, maintenance of testing records, and reporting of outcomes to management.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for monitoring the fitness for duty of personnel under their control, initiating for-cause testing where reasonable grounds exist, and ensuring persons who may be impaired are immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.

All workers are responsible for presenting fit for duty, complying with testing requirements, notifying their supervisor of any prescription medication that may affect their capacity, and reporting concerns about the fitness of co-workers.

Review

This policy is reviewed annually as part of the management review cycle, or earlier where significant changes occur to applicable legislation, client requirements, or the organisation’s risk profile. This policy is communicated to all personnel during induction and is available to interested parties on request.

Applicable Standards and Legislation

• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems — Requirements

• Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)

• Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA)

• Heavy Vehicle National Law 2012

• Road Traffic Act 1974 (WA)

• AS/NZS 4308:2008 Procedures for Specimen Collection and Detection of Drugs of Abuse in Urine

• AS 3547.1:2019 Breath Alcohol Testing Devices — Electronic Devices for Professional Use

Related Documents

• GOV-POL-002 Work Health and Safety Policy

• GOV-POL-005 Fitness for Work Policy

• GOV-POL-007 Workplace Rehabilitation and Return to Work Policy

• QHSE-POL-001 Chain of Responsibility Policy

• QHSE-PRO-001 Hazard and Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure