Human Resources Portfolio Report - 17 August 2016

As outlined in Council’s Workplace Health and Safety Policy, South Burnett Regional Council is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. To support this commitment a Drug and Alcohol Policy has been updated to ensure all people are fit for work, particularly in relation to the use and/or abuse of drugs and alcohol. The policy provides a framework for testing as well as guidelines for education, rehabilitation and counselling and potential discipline arising from drug and alcohol testing. Education programs aimed at prevention, reduction and/or elimination of problems associated with the misuse of alcohol and other drugs which affect work performance, conduct and/or safety, will be provided.

All staff may be required to undertake a drugs and alcohol test at any time whilst working for South Burnett Regional Council.

The policy focuses on assistance to employees who may have or believes that they may have a drug and/or alcohol problems. It encourages employees to access the services through Council’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

The policy also details the repercussions should any worker attempt to compromise the integrity of the test.

In summary, for the safety of all our workers and the community, staff should not be affected by drugs or alcohol whilst working for South Burnett Regional Council.