Reducing alcohol-related harm in the workplace: An evidence review: Full report

Effective responses to alcohol-related harm in the workplace are likely to commence with the recognition that there is no single reason for risky alcohol use, no single alcohol problem and no single effective response. Many factors shape use and diverse alcohol-related problems, and these include the availability of alcohol, the nature of work and the work culture, the pattern and context of alcohol use (in the broader community and at work) and individual characteristics. Individual, community and workplace factors increase and decrease risk. Responses to alcohol problems in the workplace will therefore need to be tailored and multifaceted. For example, approaches to prevent intoxication may be distinct from, but complement, those that aim to reduce absenteeism related to regular heavy use. Responding to problems in a remote area where work is safety-sensitive may have different characteristics to strategies used in a lower risk office environment. Given the consistent evidence about the important influence of alcohol access, it may be important to prioritise initial interventions to high-risk occupations and workplaces where alcohol is more readily available.