TESTING TIMES AHEAD
Navy steers course towards drug and alcohol testing

SAFETY FIRST: ABBM Jessica Strachan is breath tested for alcohol. Photo: POPH Bill McBride.

The Navy has targeted drug and alcohol abuse as its highest priorities for workplace safety reform.

Random alcohol breath testing will be implemented in the New Year in a program dubbed Safe Spirit.

Testing for prohibited drugs, which is already allowable, will be stepped up with the introduction of random urinanalysis, currently under review by a Navy working group.

Australia would follow the lead of armed forces in the United Kingdom and United States which had seen a sharp decline in the number of positive results since introducing random drug testing.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie reinforced the Navy’s zero-tolerance policy on prohibited drugs.

“Individuals in the workplace who are affected by drugs or alcohol put themselves, their shipmates and their ship or other equipment at risk,” VADM Ritchie said.

“Navy has a responsibility for the health and safety of its people and must do this, in part, by providing a safe workplace.

“If this helps to reduce inappropriate behaviour and accidents and to create a healthier workforce – then everyone benefits.”

Administative action will be taken against any member of the Navy returning a positive drug test, with termination of appointment or discharge being the normal outcome.

The Navy will introduce random alcohol breath testing from January, 2004.

Anyone working in a safety critical area designated by the Commanding Officer is expected to have a zero blood alcohol level while on duty whether at shore or sea.

Safety critical areas are deemed to be work environments with a heightened risk to Navy personnel, or the public, or where key operational decisions are made.

More information on the Safe Spirit program.

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