Alcohol and Substance Misuse Standards and Guidelines

General Principles

For the purpose of this policy, other drugs may be:

Cannabis
Opiate analgesics, such as heroin, pethidine or methadone
Stimulants
Amphetamines
Cocaine
Hallucinogens
Designer drugs such as ecstasy
Medication - prescribed or over the counter e.g. anti-histamines
Inhalants such as petrol, glue or toluene

In the event that alcohol or other drugs are affecting the work performance of a staff member, the concern of the University is to restore and maintain satisfactory work performance. Staff will be supported and encouraged to seek rehabilitation; however, normal disciplinary action will proceed if required.

The Director Human Resources will ensure that staff are made aware that it is improper to be impaired by alcohol and / or other substances during the conduct of their University duties and breaches will be dealt with in accordance with disciplinary procedures if deemed necessary.

If a person's ability to work safely is affected by alcohol or substances, the employee should notify their supervisor. With medication, it is not necessary for the employee to disclose the illness for which they are taking the medication but it may be appropriate to obtain a medical certificate if there is any uncertainty about being able to work safely.

Education and Information

Health and Counselling Services will provide access to alcohol and substance abuse education for staff and students.

Access to Confidential Treatment

Staff may access confidential professional Counselling via the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) for personal problems related to alcohol abuse and other substance abuse.

Health and Counselling Services will provide access to confidential treatment for personal problems related to alcohol and substance abuse when requested by students.

Licensed Premises on University Land

The operators of licensed premises on University lard are required to provide training to staff in responsible serving practices for their employees, including the promotion of non-alcoholic beverages.

Responsible Consumption of Alcohol at Workplace Functions

The University as an employer and its employees have legal responsibilities in regard to safety as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health and Workers Compensation legislation. It is also important to be aware of potential sexual harassment that may arise from inebriated behaviour from drinking alcohol. Peers also carry a responsibility for directing those in need to the correct sources for assistance.

Managers and supervisors at all levels are responsible for ensuring that staff and students adhere to the Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy and for reporting to management if they believe that another person is affected by alcohol or other substances.

The Director Human Resources will be responsible for circulation and marketing of the Policy to staff and students, and a copy will be included in all appropriate handbooks and other publications.

Breaches of Policy

Staff should report other staff or students affected by alcohol or drugs to their immediate manager who may then refer to a senior manager of Executive Dean.

After normal business hours, in order to manage unruly behaviour, contact campus security (for emergencies dial 333 or use the Emergency Call Buttons located around campus).

Review

The Director Human Resources is responsible for the review of the Policy.

Responsibilities

*Position*	*Responsibility*
Staff, students	Ensure their own health and safety and that of others, Direct either peers or students of staff in need to the correct source for assistance, Notify immediate supervisor is conduct of another staff member is affecting safety, or work performance or the reputation of the University.
Managers / Supervisors	Ensure all staff members adhere to the Policy, Identify when staff's work performance is affected by alcohol or other drugs and determine appropriate action, Ensure affected staff are directed to counselling if in need, Implement appropriate disciplinary action, Ensure that behaviour of staff at workplace functions where alcohol is present is kept in control.
Health and Counselling Services	Provide access to confidential treatment for students, when required, Provide education and information on drugs and other substances.
Director Human Resources	Circulation and marketing of the Policy to staff and students, Provide access to training and information for staff members via the OSH Manager, Provide access to confidential treatment for staff members through the EAP service, Review the Policy.

Occupational Safety & Health