Alcohol and drug testing

RailCorp has a stringent attitude towards the use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace. Our policy of having a workplace free from alcohol or drugs is part of our commitment to building a safer network for our customers and staff.

All permanent and contract employees - including frontline staff, those in safety-critical roles, maintenance crews, administrative staff and senior management - are subject to random testing at any time while they are on duty or signing on for duty.

The Independent Safety Regulator (ITSR) requires rail operators to conduct random alcohol and drug tests on 25 per cent of employees each year. RailCorp also has its own annual targets of testing 18,000 people for alcohol and 8,000 for drugs.

An alcohol limit of 0.02 or 2 milligrams of alcohol in every 100 millilitres of blood applies to all staff. This is the same limit that applies to drivers of public buses, taxis, large trucks and vehicles containing dangerous goods in NSW. One standard drink would put someone over the level of 0.02.

Employees who fail drug or alcohol tests are removed immediately from safety-critical duties. The continuing employment of any employee who fails an alcohol or drug test is dependent on the successful completion of a rehabilitation, return to work and monitoring program. Serious or ongoing breaches may result in dismissal.

Random alcohol testing

Random drug testing