INTRODUCTION
This Policy is intended to:
Improve the health and safety of Red Stitch’s workers;
Reduce the company’s risk and liability associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace (including after-hours consumption where it impacts the work environment);
Inform workers of their rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and other relevant legislation, and help Red Stitch meet its obligations under such legislation;
Provide clear workplace policy, including information on reporting and disciplinary procedures, relating to the consumption of alcohol and other drugs which may affect the work environment
SCOPE
This Policy applies to all employees as defined in the Code of Conduct.
WHEN DOES THIS POLICY APPLY?
This policy applies at all times when a person is representing Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, or doing work on behalf of or for Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, whether on Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre premises, on tour, or off- site.
It applies to after hours and off-site activities and functions that are organised by Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, or which are attended on behalf of Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre. This includes team lunches, Christmas parties and other work-related entertainment.
INTOXICATION AND IMPAIRMENT
Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, a person is in a state of intoxication if their “speech, balance, coordination or behaviour is noticeably affected and there are reasonable grounds for believing that this is the result of the consumption of liquor." Further information regarding signs of intoxication can be found here.
Impairment is defined more broadly and may not necessarily be related to the consumption of alcohol or other drugs. Other circumstances which may impair a worker’s capacity to fulfil their duties may including personal or relationship problems, fatigue, traumatic shock, or medical conditions. Signs of impairment may include:
personality changes, erratic behaviour, or conflict
appearance of intoxication (see above)
unsafe work practices or involvement in accidents/incidents
lateness, absenteeism, or reduced productivity or quality of work
It should not be presumed that apparent impaired is necessarily related to the consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs. The worker may be ill, injured, taking prescribed medication or in some other form of distress.
CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS IN THE WORKPLACE
Illicit Drugs
Red Stitch has a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit drugs. Workers found to be affected by illicit drugs while in the workplace will be subject to disciplinary action.
Acceptable Consumption of Alcohol
Red Stitch permits the responsible consumption of alcohol in the workplace under certain circumstances, e.g. –
after work
after ensemble meetings
at work-related social functions or KindRed events
at other times while not undertaking active staff or ensemble duties (for example, before, during or after performances, if watching the performance as an audience member)
All consumption of alcohol in the workplace must be in compliance with the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998
and the terms of Red Stitch’s liquor licence.
Prohibited Consumption of Alcohol
There are certain circumstances under which the consumption of alcohol, or participation in workplace activities while intoxicated, is explicitly prohibited.
These include intoxication or impairment due to alcohol consumption by:
Members of the cast and show crew (including volunteers), during rehearsals, previews or performances;
Any personnel taking part in production week activities (e.g. – bump-in, rigging, focussing, plotting, and technical or dress rehearsals), or bump-out;
Staff and ensemble members on bar or front-of-house duty (i.e. – persons on duty while the Red Stitch bar is open to the public and alcohol is available for sale);
While driving for work purposes
If you believe that your work, or a colleague’s work, has been impaired in a way that has a detrimental impact on workplace safety, you are encouraged to speak in confidence to the Artistic Director or General Manager (see also Code of Conduct and Reporting, Complaint Handling and Investigation Procedure).
BREACH OF POLICY
Breaching this policy shall be deemed as a breach of contract.
RELATED RED STITCH ACTORS’ THEATRE POLICIES
OTHER RESOURCES
campaigns.health.gov.au/drughelp