NZ Bus says moves to strengthen an existing alcohol and drug free policy is part of a best practice approach to health and safety in the workplace.
Changes now introduced include random alcohol and drug testing and extending the testing to cover all employees and contractors, regardless of their role in the company.
The company’s policy already included provision to test pre-employment or transfer, post-accident or incident, and for reasonable cause.
This move complements recent initiatives NZ Bus has introduced aimed at achieving the zero harm goal promoted by the business leaders’ health & safety forum steering sroup, of which NZ Bus ceo Zane Fulljames is a member.
These include an employee wellness programme and a new incident and hazard reporting system.
New Zealand’s largest bus operator says it has worked with union representatives to strengthen its existing policy, reflecting the shared commitment of management and staff.
NZ Bus says it has seen a 5% reduction in lost time injuries, and a 16% reduction in motor vehicle accidents year-on-year since 2014, which has assisted it in holding the highest level of ACC accreditation for two years in a row.
