CRICOS No J Preventing workplace AOD impairment: using theory and evidence to inform programme implementation Tamzyn Davey, Rod McClure, Jeremy Davey, James Freeman Safety 2010 World Conference, Thursday 23 rd September, 11:30am, Westminster Suite

Definitions AODs = alcohol and/or other illicit drugs (marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, & heroin) Workplace AOD impairment = using alcohol and or other illicit drugs before or during work (includes ‘hangover’ at work)

Outline Context – PhD research programme Background – workplace impairment Findings –Utility of Theory of Planned Behaviour –Relationship between employee AOD use and workplace impairment Implications for workplace policy and programmes

Background & Context AODs problem in workplace because affects coordination & judgement - injury/property damage Australian industries obligated under OHS legislation to ensure workers’ safety - implementation workplace AOD policies to avoid culpabilities for AOD-related injury/death PhD research programme –Evaluating process and impact of workplace AOD policy in state-wide industry in Australia, to reduce impairment and prevent injury

Findings Participants: 1163 employees (98% response rate) from 12 sites across Queensland, Australia Data: survey pre-AOD policy implementation eliciting employee: -Demographics -Knowledge -Behavioural Intentions -Deterrence -AOD use -Self-reported behaviour

Findings – Behavioural Intentions and Behaviour Theory of Planned Behaviour (TpB) Attitudes Subjective Norms Behaviour Intentions Perceived Behavioural Control

Utility of the TpB in this context PredictorsORsCIs Attitudes Subjective Norms Perceived Behaviour Control PredictorORsCIs Behavioural Intentions Table: The predictors of behavioural intentions Table: Predicting behaviour

Table. Coming to work impaired by AODs, and alcohol use (males) Don’t work impaired Have worked impaired TotalChi-square Sig Alcohol use (males) AUDIT Not harmful N p <.001 %91.1%8.9% (-) 100% Harmful N %79.8%20.2%100% Indicates dependency N %52.9%47.1% (+) 100%

Table. Coming to work impaired by AODs, and cannabis use Don’t work impaired Have worked impaired TotalChi-square Sig Cannabis use Never usedN p <.001 % 89.2%10.8% (-) 100% Used more than year ago N % 82.8%17.2%100% Used within last year N % 62.0%38.0% (+) 100% Used within last month N % 57.9%42.1% (+) 100% Used within last week N 9817 % 52.9%47.1% (+) 100% Used within last 24 hours N 639 % 66.7%33.3%100%

Interpretation -Not surprising: high levels of drinking or using drugs (esp dependency) would mean coming to work impaired, more likely But, contrary to literature on workplace AOD impairment

Implications TpB –Understanding mechanism by which behaviour change occurs in context of workplace AOD impairment –Targeting TpB constructs may improve impact of workplace programmes in reducing AOD impairment AOD use –Reducing general levels of drinking & drug use likely to result in reduction of workplace AOD impairment

Thank you. Mark your Diaries! International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety Conference (T2013) August 2013, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre