Alcohol benchmarks
Achieving the Alcohol benchmark in the Achievement Program is
easy! You are probably already achieving some of the steps and
don’t even realise it.
Why bother: Approximately 80% of the
population consume alcohol, almost 50% are
drinking at risky levels – this shows all industries can benefit from
completing the Alcohol Benchmark.
Taking the initiatives to achieve the Alcohol benchmark does not mean stopping people
from drinking, instead it is about drinking responsibly. It is mainly about how consuming
alcohol at home and during non-working hours can negatively impact the workplace. By
achieving the alcohol benchmarks workplaces can benefit from increased productivity and
improved employee wellbeing.
Did you know:
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Up to 15% of the workplace
accidents are alcohol-related.
1 in 5 people worked while tipsy
or drunk.
Aussie workers admitted to
taking 11.5 million sick days
each year.
Alcohol and drugs are costing
Australian workplaces $7 billion
per.
Source: Achievement Program
Easy steps to help you achieve the Alcohol Benchmark!
Healthy culture
One of most effective way employers can address alcohol in the workplace is by
implementing a comprehensive Alcohol Policy which will help you meet duty of care
obligations under the Workplace health and safety Act of 2011.
The policy should:
 Be tailored to your specific industry (talk about actual risks in your workplace).
 List the responsibilities while consuming alcohol, whether at a work event or drinks with
work colleagues.
 Details the signs of impairment and disciplinary procedures should there be an incident.
 Include a procedure on how to address an employee who is not fit for work.
 List where employees can seek support.
The policy must be communicated to all employees across the organisation in a simple and
understandable manner. The easiest way to achieve this is by involving them in the
development of the policy and ask for their feedback before it is finalised.
Encourage managers to discuss about alcohol harm in team meetings.
The ADF has a ‘Guide to Managing Alcohol and Drugs at Work’ – contact us to find out more.
Healthy physical environment
The physical workplace environment should promote the safe and responsible consumption
of alcohol. This should be communicated in your policies and reinforced by your managers
at team meetings and in your work newsletter. Provide healthy food and drink choices in the
workplaces and at workplace events.
Our tips for providing alcohol at Work events and functions:
 Alcohol should not be the primary focus of the function.
 A sober manager should oversee the event to raise an alarm if any problem arises.
 Alcohol should be served by RSA (responsible service of alcohol) trained bar staff
 Make plenty of food, water, non-alcoholic drinks available.
 A well entertained party will draw attention away from alcohol service.
 Make safe travel arrangements for employees to get home.
Health and wellbeing opportunities
Provide employees with information and support to increase their knowledge on alcohol and
its effects. This can simply be achieved by distributing factsheets, starting discussions in team
meetings and promoting general wellbeing opportunities.
Provide employees useful information about alcohol, dispel the myths around how to sober
up and talk about the effect alcohol has on your mental health. Consider the following
advice:
 This education can be included at induction and then again quarterly or biannually.
 Train managers to identify if an employee is not fit for work, and how they can manage
the issue.
 Educating employees about the free support available, empower them to step up and
talk to a colleague if they see a change in behaviour.
Healthy community connections
Organisations collaborate with the wider community to promote responsible alcohol
consumption. You may like to:
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Promote participation in sporting clubs that are Good Sports
accredited.
Promote fun events to raise alcohol awareness in the
workplace like Dry July and Ocsober.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation have free resources to help get you started and
achieve the Alcohol benchmark. Contact us!
www.adf.org.au/workplace
E: [email protected]