For many Australians working in high-risk industries, the answer is a resounding no, and that's a problem.
A new study by Flinders University reveals that fear of punishment and lack of trust in management are major barriers to tackling alcohol and drug risks at work.
The research, published in Addiction, explored whether a health-based approach called Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) could help workers identify risky drinking or drug use and get support early.
Lead author, Dr Kirrilly Thompson, from Flinders' College of Medicine and Public Health and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) says that SBIRT is widely used in healthcare and proven to reduce harms from substance use, but it's rarely been tried in workplaces.
"SBIRT starts with a short questionnaire, followed by a quick personalised conversation or provision of information to motivate healthier choices, and referral to treatment if needed. It's simple and effective in clinics, but workplaces are a different story," says Dr Thompson.
Foundation House in NSW is a drug, alcohol and gambling treatment centre that supports workers in the construction and health industries through evidence-based residential treatment, onsite support and counselling.
Foundation House's Chief Executive Officer, David Atkin, says that workers in high‑risk industries face some of the highest rates of suicide and mental‑health challenges in the country.
"We need approaches that treat substance use as a health issue, offer genuine confidentiality, and are grounded in ongoing research led by workers' real experiences. Creating safer, more supportive workplaces is essential to protecting lives," says Mr Atkin.
The study focused on construction and manufacturing – industries where impairment can have serious consequences – and interviewed health and safety professionals about what would make SBIRT work.
"While most agreed it could save lives and improve wellbeing, they also highlighted challenges, with the biggest issue being that of trust," says Dr Thompson.
"Workers fear that admitting to drinking or drug use could cost them their job. Strict zero-tolerance policies and routine drug testing in some workplaces make people reluctant to open up - something that is central to seeking and receiving support.
"Even where disciplinary action may not be a concern, stigma around using alcohol and other drugs can prevent workers from accessing support from confidential services such as employee assistance programs."
The research suggests that SBIRT would be most acceptable if delivered outside the workplace, outside work hours, and by trusted external providers rather than by management.
Other practical issues include time pressures on busy worksites and workers just not considering their drinking or drug use a problem, meaning they are unlikely to volunteer for help.
Dr Thompson says education is key to raising awareness about what counts as risky drinking and why it matters for health and safety.
"For employers, tackling alcohol and drug risks is not just about rules and testing. It's about creating a culture where people feel safe to seek help. That means framing substance use as a health issue, not a moral failing, and guaranteeing confidentiality and support for anyone who reaches out," says Dr Thompson.
"Workplaces can play a huge role in preventing harm, but success depends on trust. If workers believe they'll be punished for speaking up, they won't engage.
"Employers need to show that support is genuine and separate from disciplinary action."
The study recommends integrating SBIRT into broader wellbeing programs and partnering with external peer-based organisations
It also calls for more research involving workers themselves to co-design solutions that fit real-world conditions.
"This isn't just about individual health. Creating workplace cultures that support physical and psychological safety makes for stronger businesses. A proactive, supportive approach would benefit everyone," Dr Thompson concludes.
The paper, 'Considering Alcohol and Other Drug Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment in Two Safety-Sensitive Industries in Australia: An Exploratory Qualitative Study', by Kirrilly Thompson, Tina Hart and Jacqueline Bowden was published in Addiction. DOI: 10.1111/add.70348
