New drug and alcohol testing compliance for building sites

As of October 16, changes made to the Building Code 2013 will make drug and alcohol testing mandatory on federal government funded projects.

Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) will be responsible for monitoring compliance under the changes, which will also require head contractors to have a comprehensive policy for managing workplace drug and alcohol issues such as mandatory testing and zero tolerance.

The FWBC said frequent and periodic drug and alcohol testing of both construction and site office workers should be conducted and include as a guide:

• For fewer than 30 workers on-site — at least 10% of the workforce per month.
• Between 30 and 100 workers on-site — at least five workers per month.
• More than 100 workers on-site — at least 10 workers per month.

These changes apply to both new and existing Commonwealth-funded projects where the government’s funding is at least $5 million and represents 50% or more of the total construction project value or the government’s contribution to the project is at least $10 million.

The FWBC said that although drug and alcohol testing is not required on private sites, all building contractors covered by the Building Code must ensure that the management of drugs and alcohol is reflected in their WHS&R management system.

The Building Code encourages productivity and lawful workplace relations on building sites, and companies or subcontractors found to be in serious breach of the Building Code may be sanctioned.

For more information, visit www.fwbc.gov.au/building-code or call FWBC’s Hotline on 1800 003 338.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Terry Lucas

Source