1.1. What is the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy Builder?
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy Builder is an online form that asks you nine questions to help you build an alcohol and other drugs policy for your workplace. It is free to use.
1.2. Who is the Policy Builder for?
The Policy Builder was developed for Victorian workplaces employing heavy vehicle drivers. Although it focuses on heavy vehicle drivers, it can be used for all employees. It might also be helpful for any workplace that has drivers.
It is useful for heavy vehicle workplaces that:
- do not have an alcohol and other drugs policy
- have a policy that needs to be updated or reviewed
- have a policy but want to see whether they are following best practice.The Policy Builder will help you in developing or updating your alcohol and other drugs policy by giving general guidance on what to include in your policy. You should get independent advice when you have completed the policy document to ensure that it is adequate for your workplace.
1.3. What is the purpose of this User Guide?
This User Guide explains how the Policy Builder works and explains the questions in it. The Guide shows you the questions before you fill out the online form so you can think about what should be included in your alcohol and other drugs policy and talk this over with your employees.
1.4. Why is it important to involve my workforce in developing an alcohol and other drugs policy?
You have a legal obligation to consult with your workforce in developing your alcohol and other drugs policy. Involving your workforce in deciding what should be in your policy also helps everyone to understand what you’re trying to achieve, makes them more likely to support the policy and ensures that it is a good fit for your workplace. A discussion guide to help you do this is provided in Section 3.
1.5. How can I involve my employees in building my policy?
You can do this by inviting a small group of employee representatives to discuss the questions in Section 3 and make recommendations suitable for the needs of your workplace. You should include people who will be responsible for making your policy happen (e.g. supervisors), as well as people who will be most affected by it (e.g. drivers).
