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ReportWatch: Alcohol & work

Australians have long held a reputation for the affection with which they regard alcohol. Numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted over the past two to three decades that have examined levels and patterns of use. However, no systematic investigations have been undertaken into the way workers use alcohol and the impact that this might have on the workplace and workplace performance. That is until now. A recently released AIHW report Alcohol and Work: Patterns of use, workplace culture and safety has provided the comprehensive examination that has been lacking. The report was written by a collaborative team from Flinders University comprising staff from the Research Centre for Injury Studies and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA).

The report found that nearly one in five Australian workers were found to engage in binge-drinking at least once a month and nearly one in ten did so at least weekly. Young female workers employed in the hospitality industry were the most likely to binge drink on a regular basis.

The report also shows that almost seven per cent of the workforce had attended work while under the influence of alcohol at least once in the previous year and indicates that the workplace impact of drinking by Australian workers may be far greater than previously estimated. Nearly four per cent of the workforce had at least one day off work due to alcohol use in a three month period and workers who regularly consumed alcohol at risky levels were at least 19 times more likely than low risk drinkers to have a day off. Wo rkers who drank at risky levels even occasionally are six times more likely to miss work than their non-drinking counterparts.

The contents of this report provide an essential building block upon which to develop relevant policies and interventions related to workplace alcohol consumption. Complimentary copies of the report can be obtained from NCETA or downloaded from their website http://www.nceta.flinders.edu.au. In addition, a set of five brief Information and Data Sheets are available that capture the key themes and findings of the report.

Reference:
Pidd, K., Berry, JG., Harrison, JE., Roche, AM., Driscoll, TR., Newson, RS. 2006. Alcohol and work: patterns of use, workplace culture and safety. Injury Research and Statistics Series. Number 28. (AIHW cat no. INJCAT 82) Adelaide: AIHW.