SKSWood defines “Fitness for Work” as the individual’s ability to perform assigned tasks competently and in a manner which does not compromise or threaten the safety of themselves or others. We recognize that factors such as substance abuse, fatigue, stress and illness will impair personal performance and therefore increase the risk of an unwanted event occurring.

No person regardless of employment status is permitted to enter a SKSWood work area while under the influence of alcohol, illicit or deleterious drugs.
It is the aim of SKSWood through monitoring, education, support and safe systems of work to manage or eliminate fitness for work issues. Collectively, we aim to continuously improve our performance by actively fostering the principles of:

Personal Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all SKSWood personnel to ensure that they present themselves for work in a physical, mental and emotional condition that does not expose themselves of others to risk. Conditions such as fatigue, illness, depression and stress that are known to impair work performance and judgment
shall be reported. Individuals shall conduct themselves in a manner outside of employment hours that ensures they are not compromised by the use of alcohol or deleterious drugs when they report for work.

All personnel have a duty of care to report any observed condition that may indicate an individual is incapable of performing their duties in a safe manner. Managers and supervisors are equipped with the skills to identify, assess and manage fitness for work issues.

Accountability
Endorsement of this policy is upheld through actively supporting pre-employment substance screening and substance testing programs inclusive of but not limited to:
• Pre-employment alcohol and drug testing
• Random alcohol and drug screening
• For cause testing
• Post incident testing
• Self-testing

Risk Management
The same criteria will be applied to risks associated with fitness for work issues as all other identified hazards. The principals of control will apply with emphasis being placed on the requirement to eliminate alcohol and deleterious drug use, fatigue, illness and stress in the work place.

Learning Culture
Development of safe behaviors both within and out of work hours will be encouraged through a knowledge program designed to educate personnel on how to manage their physical and mental health. SKSWood will provide support services where appropriate to assist with fitness for work concerns.

One Constant Approach
SKSWood has developed fitness for work procedures and applies them uniformly to all personnel regardless of status that attend SKSWood work areas. Failure to abide by this policy and the supporting procedure will result in the implementation of SKSWood disciplinary procedure. Dismissal will ultimately result if a person repeatedly fails a test of refuse to undergo appropriate treatment.

The SKSWood contract Representative is accountable to SKSWood Board of Directors for ensuring that this policy is implemented throughout SKSWood operations. I give my personal commitment to promote effective implementation of this policy. This policy will be reviewed every 2 years.



Gary Tassell
SKSWood General Manager

Policy Number: GEN-PL-004
Revision Date: 24th March 2009