Workplace audits to check compliance with new drug and alcohol requirements in the building industry will begin in February.

The new requirements are contained in the Building Code (Fitness for Work/Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace) Amendment Instrument 2015, which started on 16 October.

The new rule applies to building contractors covered by the Building Code 2013, including contractors working on large Commonwealth-funded building projects.

Contractors will be required to implement a policy that tests for alcohol and other drugs, including opiates, THC, cocaine, benzodiazepines, amphetamines and methamphetamines.

A comprehensive policy setting out how the testing will be conducted and the procedures to be followed in the case of a positive test are also mandatory.

In the first two stages of implementation, Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC), who is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Building Code, will educate industry about the change and conduct audits with the view of providing feedback to help contractors comply.

In the third stage, FWBC will conduct compliance audits. These will start after 1 February.

For more details, visit FWBC

Published on 22 October 2015 in the NSCA Foundation Safe-T-Bulletin enewsletter – available free every fortnight direct to your email. Subscribe online today.

Drug and alcohol testing will be mandatory on large Commonwealth-funded building projects from late October.

Before leaving the Federal Employment portfolio this week, former Minister Eric Abetz signed off on changes to the Building Code that allow for the new testing measures to be introduced.

The Building Code (Fitness for Work/Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace) Amendment Instrument 2015 stipulates that testing take place on the following building projects: where the Commonwealth’s contribution to the building project is at least $5 million and represents at least 50 per cent of the total construction project value, or the Commonwealth’s contribution is at least $10 million, irrespective of the proportion of its investment in the project.

Contractors will be required to implement a policy that tests for alcohol and other drugs, including opiates; THC; cocaine; benzodiazepines; amphetamines; and methamphetamines.

A comprehensive policy setting out how the testing will be conducted and the procedures to be followed in the case of a positive test are also mandatory.

Fair Work Building and Construction will audit building sites to ensure they are complying.

For more details, visit the regulation

Published on 24 September 2015 in the NSCA Foundation Safe-T-Bulletin enewsletter – available free every fortnight direct to your email. Subscribe online today.