Page 18 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

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hEALTh & SAfETy > DRUG AND ALCOHOL ROLLOUT
drUg & aLcOHOL testing rOLLOUt cOntinUes
SIGnS tHAt YOur DruG Or AlCOHOl uSE IS bECOMInG A PrOblEM:
the more you have, the more you need
a couple of beers used to be enough but now you have to drink a lot more to get the same buzz. This means you may have built up a tolerance. This can also occur for illicit drugs.
Cutting back hurts
When you try to stop it’s not as easy as it used to be and the symptoms
of withdrawal are getting stronger. These signs may include insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, anger, aches and depression.
You get a head start
You might be having a few before
you go to the pub or to meet friends. alternatively, you’re staying in and not going out because it’s easier to drink how you want at home. Perhaps you’re reaching for a drink in the morning.
It impacts on your life
Work, relationships, family are all beginning to suffer as a result of your drug or alcohol use. are you being honest with yourself about this? Have you stopped doing activities you used to enjoy?
It impacts on your health
Some signs are obvious, others are less apparent, such as insomnia, headaches or injuries related to being intoxicated. Substance abuse can also contribute
to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or psychosis.
You become dishonest
are you being dishonest about your use to family and friends? are you hiding your supply? are you drinking by yourself to conceal how much you’re using? are feelings of shame beginning to influence your actions?
Your hackles are up
If somebody questions your drinking or drug use how do you react? Often people who are in denial about their substance use will react defensively when someone tries to talk to them about it.
the costs are mounting
addiction costs money. How much are you spending on drugs or alcohol? Where else could that money be going?
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fffWe’re here to help
If you need help with drug and alcohol dependency issues, contact Protect Counselling on 1300 725 881.
The rollout of the Building Industry Group (BIG) of unions’ Drug and Alcohol Management Program (DAMP) has continued on construction sites Dacross the state.
AMP emphasises a collaborative approach towards managing the complex issues around
drug and alcohol impairment on building sites and is founded on the principles of education, support, counselling and rehabilitation. The policy strikes a balance between ensuring a safe workplace and protecting the privacy and rights of workers.
tHE Etu > AutuMn 2016
under the policy:
• Employees can choose to undertake self-testing prior to beginning work, anonymously and without fear of retribution. This early intervention is aimed at keeping the workplace safe and helping at-risk employees with rehabilitation and treatment.
• Employers can request ‘for-cause’ testing where an employee has been involved in an accident or has had the potential to cause damage or injury.
• A ‘reasonable-concern’ test can be conducted if an employee shows signs of being impaired, engages in unusual behaviour or there is evidence of alcohol and/or drug possession or use.
• Regular testing will be conducted periodically, involving a selection of employees on the project.
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