Fitness for Work policy template
Defines expectations for employees arriving fit to perform their duties safely. Covers impairment, fatigue, illness and the process for standing down unfit workers.
Fitness for work policy
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Why you need a fitness for work policy
Under WHS law, employers must ensure workers are not impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue or illness when performing safety-sensitive tasks. A fitness for work policy provides the framework for managing these risks.
Workers impaired by substances or fatigue pose serious risks to themselves and others. Clear policies protect everyone by setting expectations before incidents occur and providing fair processes when concerns arise.
This policy also supports workers who may be struggling with substance issues or health concerns, ensuring they know what support is available and how to access it confidentially.
Key elements of this policy
What your fitness for work policy should cover
Fitness standards
Clear expectations for arriving fit to perform duties safely.
Impairment factors
Alcohol, drugs, medication and other factors affecting fitness.
Self-reporting
Employee obligations to report when unfit for work.
Stand down procedures
Process for removing unfit workers from duties.
Return to work
Requirements for returning after fitness concerns.
Support available
EAP and other support services for affected workers.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive fitness for work framework
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Fitness for work defined
What it means to be fit to perform duties safely.
Impairment factors
Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, illness and medication effects.
Employee obligations
Responsibilities to arrive fit and report concerns.
Manager responsibilities
Recognising and responding to fitness concerns.
Assessment procedures
How fitness concerns are assessed and documented.
Stand down process
Removing unfit workers from the workplace safely.
Testing procedures
When and how drug and alcohol testing occurs.
Return to work
Requirements and clearances for resuming duties.
Support services
EAP, rehabilitation and other assistance available.
Who should use this template?
Essential for safety-sensitive industries
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian WHS requirements at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
Drug and alcohol testing policies have specific legal requirements. Seek independent legal advice before implementing testing procedures in your workplace.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with official Australian workplace health and safety requirements.
Ready to ensure workers are fit for duty?
Download our Fitness for Work policy template and protect your workplace from impairment risks. Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.