CHANGES to the code of practice for the building and construction industry relating to drug and alcohol testing will take effect on 16 October 2015.

As AREEA outlined in a recent News Update article, the changes to the Building Code 2013 introduce higher standards for addressing drug and alcohol testing, requiring building contractors to have a policy in place that shows the way in which drug and alcohol issues in the workplace will be managed to ensure that no person performing building work onsite does so under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Where building work is part of a project that meets certain financial thresholds, a management plan for work health, safety and rehabilitation established by a principal contractor must include a fitness for work policy to manage alcohol and drugs in the workplace, which can include mandatory drug and alcohol testing, that applies to all persons engaged to perform building work on the project.

Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) will be responsible for monitoring compliance with these changes and has advised that as a minimum, frequent and periodic drug and alcohol testing of both construction and site office workers should be conducted:

• Where there are less than 30 workers on site – at least 10% of the workforce per month;
• Where there are between 30 and 100 workers on site – a minimum of five workers per month; and
• Where there are more than 100 workers on site – at least 10 workers per month

“The Building Code encourages productivity and lawful workplace relations on building sites. It sets out the Australian Government’s expected standards for building contractors or building industry participants involved in Commonwealth funded construction projects,” a FWBC statement said.

“Companies or subcontractors found to be in serious breach of the Building Code can be sanctioned. The sanction may include being banned from working on Commonwealth funded projects.

“In the first instance, FWBC will be educating building industry participants on the requirements and seeking rectification measures where non-compliance is found. FWBC will continue to monitor all other aspects of the Building Code.”

For further assistance or advice regarding building and construction industry compliance, please contact your local AREEA consultant in your state.