Master Builders Australia welcomes Building Code 2013, which commenced on 16th October 2015. The code requires contractors in the building and construction industry to have a comprehensive policy for managing on-site drug and alcohol issues. It also requires drug and alcohol testing on all Commonwealth funded projects.

Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) will monitor compliance of the code, and will audit the drug and alcohol testing requirements in three phases:

The first phase will educate the industry, the second phase will be audits with feedback on compliance, and the last phase will be full implementation. The last phase will start on 1st February 2016 so that contractors have time to implement the code.

If non-compliance is not rectified, the regulator will then take action.

In an article in SafetyCulture, Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia said “The inclusion of compulsory drug and alcohol testing policies is a win for safety on building sites”.

This article was based on an item that appeared in OHS News SafetyCulture. You can read the full article here:

http://content.safetyculture.com.au/news/index.php/10/master-builders-australia-welcomes-phased-approach-enforcement-drug-alcohol-fitness-work-amendments/#.VjbXW3wrLdG