A shift in mindset — the case for drug and alcohol self-testing

In safety-critical industries, drug and alcohol testing is often reactive — after an incident, complaint or suspicion. But by that point, the damage is often done. With a focus on machine operation, Touch Biotechnology CEO MATTHEW SALIHI makes a case for a shift to a more proactive, self-testing approach, which acknowledges that safety starts with the individual.

Substance use in the workplace is a growing threat, particularly in industries where one lapse in concentration can lead to serious injury or even death, such as in construction, transport, logistics and manufacturing, where machine operation, vehicle handling and physical coordination are all core to the job. And yet, one in nine Australian workers admit to being under the influence of illicit drugs at work in the past year.¹

For too long, the standard response has been reactive testing — after an incident, complaint or suspicion. But by that point, the damage is often done. The question safety leaders must ask now is: how do we stop incidents before they happen? The answer may lie not just in more testing, but in rethinking how, when and who initiates it.

Why self-testing belongs in safety-critical industries

Heavy machinery doesn’t leave room for error. Whether it’s operating a crane, reversing a semitrailer or using a power tool, impaired decision-making can have devastating consequences. And impairment isn’t always obvious. Drugs and alcohol don’t affect everyone the same way, and signs can be subtle or easily masked.

This is why self-testing — discreet, voluntary and accessible — is gaining recognition as a valuable safety measure. It empowers workers to assess their own readiness for duty in real time, especially in high-risk environments.

Unlike formal tests conducted by managers or health and safety reps, self-testing offers a private way to pause and reflect on whether the individual is in the right condition to do this job safely. That moment of reflection can be the difference between a safe shift and a serious incident.

Changing the conversation: from compliance to care

Traditional drug and alcohol testing policies tend to be punitive. They’re triggered after a crash, a mistake or a tip-off. But this approach not only damages trust — it also misses early opportunities to intervene and support.

Self-testing shifts the power back to the individual. It gives people the chance to take action before anyone else needs to get involved. For workers under stress, coming off a big night, or unsure whether a medication could affect performance, self-testing provides a clear, judgement-free answer.

Importantly, it also respects privacy and dignity — key factors in industries where stigma and fear often prevent people from speaking up or seeking help.

Safety isn’t just a policy — it’s a mindset. When we normalise self-testing in the same way we do hard hats and harnesses, we reinforce the idea that safety starts with the individual. It becomes a shared value, not just a compliance box.

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5 steps in a self-testing shift

1. Make self-testing easy and accessible

Ensure workers, especially those in high-risk roles, have private access to testing tools. This could be part of site induction kits, fatigue stations or wellness hubs.

2. Remove the fear factor

Reinforce that self-testing isn’t about punishment. It’s about protection — for the worker, their teammates and the business.

3. Support mental health alongside substance safety

Research shows workers under high psychological distress are nearly three times more likely to use illicit drugs.² Self-testing can be one part of a broader strategy that includes education, mental health support and open conversations.

4. Promote personal accountability as a strength

Recognise and celebrate when individuals take proactive steps to manage their own fitness for work. It signals maturity, not weakness.

5. Integrate it into safety systems, not as an add-on

Build self-testing into daily safety protocols, toolbox talks and fatigue management plans. Make it a visible part of the culture.

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A moment to pause could prevent a lifetime of consequences

In industries built on risk management, we often talk about ‘the golden moment’ — the point at which a decision can change everything. Self-testing offers that golden moment before the work begins. It’s a small step with potentially life-saving consequences.

As substance use patterns evolve, and as younger workers enter safety-critical industries, it’s time to give individuals more agency. Because the best safety systems don’t just react to danger. They give people the tools to prevent it.

In high-risk workplaces, self-testing isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And when it’s embraced as a normal part of daily operations, it can help create the kind of proactive safety culture every employer strives for.

<sub>1. Alcohol, drugs and workplace safety https://adf.org.au/insights/aod-workplace-safety
2. Mental health and use of alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes and other drugs https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health/mental-health-alcohol-drugs</sub>

Image credit: iStock.com/sarawut khawngoen. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.