New drug and alcohol guide for bus operators in New South Wales (NSW) launched
A new guide to help NSW bus and coach operators create drug and alcohol programs became available online this week.
Developing Drug and Alcohol Programs: A guide for the NSW Bus and Coach Industry explains how to develop a drug and alcohol policy, helps operators decide if they should conduct random drug and alcohol tests and was produced by Roads and Maritime Services in collaboration with BusNSW.
“Drug and alcohol use is a societal problem in Australia,” a Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson says.
“This requires clear management from the bus and coach sector for people in key public-facing roles such as driving passenger vehicles.
“The guide provides information to support industry in managing drug and alcohol risks and how to identify the level of risk in the workplace.”
The health, safety and well-being of employees, passengers and the general public should be the number one priority of all bus operators, but priorities mean little if expectations aren’t clearly communicated by employers to employees in the industry.
“It is crucial bus and coach operators are providing their employees with a proper framework to reduce drug and alcohol risks within the workplace.”
The handbook provides information on drug and alcohol training and education for employees and managers, procedures on counselling and discipline, and practical information such as how to notify Roads and Maritime Services if a positive drug or alcohol test is confirmed.
All bus operators in NSW are required to implement drug and alcohol programs in the workplace for all employees, under the Passenger Transport Act.
“An effective drug and alcohol program will help employees and operators understand their roles and responsibilities, which in turn will help to reduce risks and ensure the safe operation of bus services across the state.”
It is hoped the new guide will help smaller operators in particular, to understand drug and alcohol program requirements and promote best practice across the industry.
The new drug and alcohol policy guide for bus operators is available now and can be accessed via the Roads and Maritime Services website.