NZ’s biggest bus operator brings in random testing for all contractors to ensure road safety
NZ Bus has introduced random alcohol and drug testing and extended testing to all employees and contractors.
The organisation would previously only test a worker just prior to employing or transferring them, after an accident, or if it had reasonable cause to do so.
NZ Bus chief operating officer for the southern region Tonia Haskell says introducing random drug and alcohol testing shows the organisations’ on-going commitment to road safety.
“Over the past year a number of staff have been tested after incidents, with none having tested positive for drugs or alcohol,” she says.
“The introduction of random testing reflects the seriousness with which both management and staff of NZ Bus take health and safety.”
Management worked collaboratively with union representatives to strengthen its existing alcohol and drug policy.
NZ Bus has also introduced an employee wellness programme and a more robust incident and hazard reporting system, to help reach its zero harm target.
The organisation achieved a 5 per cent reduction in lost-time injuries, and a 16 per cent reduction in motor vehicle accidents year-on-year since 2014, and holds the highest level of ACC accreditation.
“We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to health and safety, in the best interests of our staff and our customers,” Haskell says.