Toolbox Talk: Drugs, Alcohol and Workplace Risk
Drugs or alcohol factor in as many as one-in-ten workplace deaths, and one-in-four reportable workplace accidents. And, misuse of these substances is growing across Australian workplaces. This toolbox talk is flexible to fit in with operational time restrictions and perfect for a morning pre-start or briefing.
- WHS Compliant
- Certificate Included
- Lived Experience Trainers
- Customisable Content
Key Content
- Communication of Company Drug and Alcohol Policy
- Overview of employee and employer obligations under the Policy
- Economic and social impact of substance misuse on Australian society
- Overview of commonly misused legal and illicit drugs
- How these substances impair work performance and judgement, and increase risk to affected individuals, as well as increasing risk to the health, safety and welfare of co-workers
- Health and wellbeing impacts of drugs, smoking and alcohol misuse
- Dangers, prevalence and potency of common illicit and legal drugs and their health and wellbeing impacts on the body and vital organs
- What it means to present “fit for work”
- Fostering a supportive “speak up” culture, getting help and advice
Workplace Benefits
- Get the conversation going at your workplace about fitness for work and substance-related risks
- Provide positive strategies for managing hazard and risk
- Guard against negative behaviours associated with misuse of drugs and alcohol
- Reinforce understanding of workplace policies and procedures
This training is for all at the workplace. The Toolbox Talk format is ideal for regular refresher training, safety stand-downs, or as part of your ongoing workplace health and safety program. Materials can be co-branded with your organisation's logo. Supporting publication: A Handbook of Alcohol, Drugs, and Workplace Risk.
Pricing Tailored to Your Needs
Every organisation is different. We'll work with you to build a training proposal based on your specific requirements.
- Group size & format
- Industry customisation
- Delivery schedule
Looking for support, not training?
If any of this is close to home for you or someone you know, there is support available. If your workplace, sporting club or organisation has engaged ADA Australia for training, please contact our Friendly Ear line. If not, please call Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
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In an emergency, always call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Toolbox Talk: Drugs, Alcohol and Workplace Risk. Need something else? Get in touch.
A short, focused workplace session — typically 15–30 minutes — designed to fit into a regular team huddle, toolbox meeting, or tea break. It introduces a single AOD or mental-health topic in a tight, practical format that doesn't require pulling staff off the tools for hours.
15–30 minutes per topic. Sessions are scoped tightly so they fit a normal toolbox meeting slot.
On-site at your workplace — often in a smoko room, site shed, or warehouse floor — or via short online webinar for remote teams.
No. They are a supplement: a way to keep AOD and mental-health awareness front-of-mind in between full training sessions, or to introduce a single high-priority topic without booking a full workshop.
Quoted on request based on topic, duration, and the number of sessions in a series. Many organisations book a quarterly series rather than one-offs.
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