2026 Refresh: Updating your workplace alcohol & drug policy
Stay ahead in 2026 by ensuring your workplace alcohol and drug testing policies are up to date. Learn practical steps to protect your team, maintain compliance, and foster a safer...
Read the latest blogs and articles on alcohol and drug testing.
Stay Informed: Explore our blog for the latest insights on alcohol and drug testing, including research, regulatory updates, and helpful tips to ensure safety, compliance, and well-being. Browse all articles below or select a topic of interest to view relevant articles.
2026 Refresh: Updating your workplace alcohol & drug policy
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Fit for duty in the transport industry: What it really means
This guide breaks down how fitness for duty is defined under Australian safety laws, why it matters for heavy vehicle operations, and how alcohol, drugs and fatigue management play a...
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Maritime industry compliance: Meeting AMSA’s drug & alcohol testing requirements
From 1 June 2025, every domestic commercial vessel (DCV) operator in Australia will need to have a drug and alcohol policy as part of their Safety Management System (SMS), a...
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Safe and sober: Managing alcohol at workplace Christmas parties
End-of-year celebrations often involve alcohol, which can blur the line between fun and risk. This guide outlines sensible, people-first approaches to managing alcohol at workplace Christmas parties
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How to tell if drug use is happening onsite: Signs, surfaces to test, and the fastest way to confirm residue
This guide explains how to spot early indicators, where to check for residue, and how workplaces can confirm contamination quickly and discreetly using modern dual-mode saliva and surface testing solutions.
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Ensuring your team stays safe this festive season
Learn how providing clear policy, transport alternatives, and self-assessment tools is the "Gift of Safety" that protects your team's well-being and operational continuity.
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Powering safety: Drug & alcohol testing in Energy & Utilities
Learn the strict WHS and legal requirements for drug and alcohol testing in the energy, water, and gas utilities sector, and how to maintain compliance.
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Reasonable suspicion testing in transport and logistics
This guide explains when and how to conduct suspicion-based testing, what behaviours to look for, and how transport operators can protect drivers, the public, and their compliance obligations with a...
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Alcohol & drug laws in Australia’s Heavy Vehicle Industry
This guide explains operator duties, zero-BAC expectations, and how transport businesses can build a defensible testing program that keeps drivers, fleets, and the public safe against drug and alcohol misuse.
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Medicinal Cannabis at Work: What Employers Need to Know
Medicinal cannabis use is on the rise in Australia. Since its legalisation for therapeutic purposes in 2016, more employees are being prescribed cannabis products to manage conditions such as chronic...
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How regular testing helps build a more productive workplace
Discover how routine testing supports accountability, legal protection, and long-term workforce performance.
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Implementing Drug & Alcohol Policies in Transport & Logistics
Transport and logistics is the backbone of Australia’s economy. From long-haul freight to last-mile deliveries, heavy vehicle operators keep goods moving across the country every day. But with this responsibility...
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Safe Work Month 2025: Prioritising Drug & Alcohol Safety Every Day
October is National Safe Work Month in Australia, a time to shine a spotlight on safety across every industry. This year’s theme, “Safety: every job, every day”, is a reminder...
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Breathalyser calibration FAQs: Your questions answered
Discover the essential FAQs about breathalyser calibration in our latest blog post, where we provide insight and information into maintaining your breathalyser’s accuracy at all times.
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Keeping Your Testing Program Legally Compliant: Avoiding Pitfalls in Workplace Drug & Alcohol Policies
For many businesses across Australia, drug and alcohol (D&A) testing is a cornerstone of workplace health and safety (WHS). Whether you operate in mining, transport, logistics, maritime or manufacturing, the...
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Fixed vs. Portable Breathalysers: How to Choose the Right Workplace Alcohol Tester
Workplace alcohol testing is an essential control measure for many Australian businesses, particularly those operating in safety-critical industries such as mining, maritime, logistics, construction, energy, and utilities. In some sectors,...
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Drug and Alcohol Testing in the Mining Industry: How to Ensure Safety and Compliance
Mining is one of Australia’s most safety-critical industries. Workers operate heavy machinery, handle explosives, and work in remote, high-risk environments where a single mistake can have catastrophic consequences. That’s why...
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5 questions to ask before buying a breathalyser in Australia
From personal use to workplace safety, the right breathalyser comes down to more than just price. Here are five essential questions to ask before choosing a device.
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Dealing with positive drug tests at the Australian workplace
Manage positive drug tests the right way—ensure WHS compliance and protect your workplace.
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New RSA training in NSW: Why breathalysers are now essential
The new RSA training in NSW puts patron safety front and centre, with added focus on sexual harassment, drink spiking, and responsible alcohol service.
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Soberlive FRX breathalyser boosts workplace safety at Highways Traffic
Highways Traffic improved alcohol testing compliance and reduced downtime by switching from handheld breathalysers to Andatech’s wall-mounted Soberlive FRX, boosting safety across day and night shifts.
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Crown Melbourne: Leading alcohol safety with Andatech
How Crown Melbourne uses Andatech breathalysers to support responsible service of alcohol, empower patrons to make informed decisions, and promote a culture of safety across its iconic venue.
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Drug and alcohol safety under the new healthcare WHS Code
Here’s what you need to know about meeting your duty of care and keeping staff and patients safe that is in line with the new Model Code of Practice highlights...
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How to talk about drug and alcohol use at work
We have prepared this guide to share practical, respectful strategies to approach conversations around alcohol and drug use in Australian workplaces, supporting safety and wellbeing without judgment.
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Burnout and substance use: Hidden risks in your workforce
Stress and burnout aren’t just bad for morale — they’re closely linked to rising substance use at work. Learn how psychological distress fuels drug and alcohol risks, and what your...
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Workplace drug & alcohol testing laws in Queensland
Queensland workplaces are governed by strict health and safety obligations—especially when it comes to drug and alcohol use on the job. While many Australians are familiar with national WHS guidelines,...
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Alcohol safety tips for Australians overseas
With growing concerns about methanol poisoning and alcohol-related incidents abroad, Australians are being urged to take extra precautions. This guide breaks down what you need to know—from local laws and...
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Common triggers causing false positives in drug testing kits
Think your cough syrup or diet pill is harmless? Some common medications and foods can trigger false positives on drug tests. Learn what causes them—and how to avoid misunderstandings.
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Vaping in the workplace: What Australian employers need to know
As vaping becomes more widespread, Australian employers are facing new challenges. Is vaping allowed indoors? How does it impact health, safety, and workplace culture? Here’s what you need to know.
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RBTs in Queensland are in full swing: Are you ready?
Despite ramped-up testing in QLD, drink driving is still common. Here’s why education and smarter tools matter more than ever.
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Synthetic cannabis in the workplace: A hidden risk
Synthetic cannabis, also known as K2 or "spice," may not be making headlines every day, but it's still a growing threat in Australian workplaces. A 2021 ABC investigation revealed that synthetic...
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The risk of next-day alcohol impairment in Australian workplaces
A 0.00% BAC doesn’t always mean a worker is fit for duty. In safety-sensitive industries, next-day alcohol impairment can still put your workplace at risk. Learn how to spot it...
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Why drink driving remains one of Australia’s deadliest risks
Drink driving continues to be a major contributor to road deaths in Australia — but it’s also one of the most preventable. From alarming statistics to tougher laws and smarter...
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Why zero BAC isn’t just for learners and P-platers
Most people know that L and P-platers must drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of zero — but the need for 0.00 doesn’t stop there. In this blog, we...
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How to support an employee who returns a positive drug test
A non-negative drug test doesn’t have to end in dismissal. Learn how to respond with fairness, follow the right protocols, and support employee wellbeing — while maintaining a safe workplace.
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Choosing the right drug testing kit for the occasion
Choosing the right drug testing kit depends on the situation. Whether you're hiring, responding to an incident, or testing at home, learn when to use urine vs saliva tests —...
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Why meet Andatech at the WHS Show this week?
Andatech returns to the WHS Show in Melbourne this week! Visit Stand J21 to see live demos of our latest workplace breathalysers and drug testing kits, enter our raffle, and...
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Rethinking safety: Breathalysers for Australian households
Breathalysers aren’t just for nights out — they’re smart safety tools for everyday families. Learn how the AlcoSense Nexus helps parents, teens, and drivers make informed decisions at home.
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Educating parents and students about school drug testing
School drug testing can be sensitive, but with the right communication, it becomes a tool for early intervention and student wellbeing. Here’s how schools can engage parents and students respectfully.
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Why mentally safe workplaces are drug-safe workplaces
With rising mental health claims and substance misuse linked to stress, bullying, and poor job design, businesses can no longer ignore the connection between mental wellbeing and drug safety. This...
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Legal duties of bar owners: Dealing with intoxicated staff
From Victoria to Western Australia, bar owners across Australia must follow strict laws around staff intoxication. This guide breaks down your legal duties by state and shows how breathalysers can...
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Best breathalysers for bars, clubs, and events
Choosing the right breathalyser for your venue can make all the difference when it comes to promoting alcohol safety. From fixed wall-mounted units to portable devices for roaming checks, this...
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Cut-off levels for saliva and urine drug test kits in Australia
The outcomes of a drug screening test depend on the cut-off levels of drug test kits, as laid out in AS/NZS4760:2019 and AS/NZS4308:2008.
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When should you drug test your employees? (And when you can’t)
Not sure when it’s okay to drug test your employees? This guide explains the right times to test, when it’s not legally allowed, and how to stay compliant in Australia.
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Keeping your teen safe: A parent’s guide to breathalysers
Worried about your teen making the right choices before driving? This guide for parents breaks down why a personal breathalyser could be the most important thing they carry — and...
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The device that could save your teen’s life behind the wheel
When it comes to keeping your teen safe on the road, a personal breathalyser could make all the difference. Learn how AlcoSense breathalysers help young drivers make smarter, safer decisions...
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Why guessing your BAC is a dangerous mistake
“Feeling fine” doesn’t mean you’re under the limit. Discover why guessing your BAC can be dangerous — and how a personal breathalyser puts safety back in your hands.
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The breathalyser your teen will actually use
Many parents worry whether their teens take alcohol safety seriously. The Andatech GT is a compact breathalyser your teen will actually use — helping them make smarter decisions and stay...
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What to include in your drug & alcohol policy (Australia)
Set the standard for safety, fairness, and compliance in your workplace.
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Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing in Australia
Learn the best practices to better implement a pre-employment drug screening process in your organisation to help maintain a drug-free environment in your workplace.
