The Construction & Other Industries Drug & Alcohol Program Inc. (COIDAP) was established by employers and workers in the construction industry to address the issue of unsafe work practices related to drugs and alcohol (D&A) in the workplace. It is overseen by a committee of worker and employer representatives, together with experts from the D&A field.
TopAims
- To enhance the capacity of the construction workforce, to prevent and minimise drug and alcohol (D&A) related harm, by improving their knowledge and confidence to make healthy and safe choices.
- To assist workers in understanding the role and application of workplace D&A policies
- To adapt and evolve in response to societal needs and advances in knowledge relating to D&A and the construction workforce.
We will do this by
- Providing information, education and training on D&A
- Ensuring appropriate referral pathways, so the workforce can access support and treatment.
- Liaising with relevant stakeholders including workers, employers, unions, training organisations, D&A services, and other health and community services.
TopHow it works
Workplaces and training organisations are ideal settings for encouraging healthy and positive behaviours, partially due to the amount of time spent in these environments, but also because colleagues and organisations can be a crucial support base for those trying to improve their health3.
Good practice programs contribute to health and wellbeing by providing information about D&A related harm in the workplace, workplace factors that may contribute to increased risk of harm, and general D&A health information including accessing support and treatment4.
COIDAP encourages a whole-of-industry approach towards responding to D&A related harm with interventions such as:
- The inclusion of training and education that is regular, ongoing, and adaptable to changing circumstances for the duration of a worker’s career i.e. from pre-apprentices to retirement
- Formal workplace policies that are disseminated and implemented throughout the workplace and are tailored to meet the operating conditions of that workplace
- Embedding D&A issues within a broader health context, whilst still highlighting impairment and safety in the workplace.
- Providing accessible D&A support and treatment that is appropriate, local, and confidential.
We offer free support to employers and workers on issues ranging from policy implementation, to education and training, awareness toolbox talks, local health and community referrals, and health promotional materials.
The program is proudly funded by BIRST and works alongside MATES in Construction.
TopContact us
For more information about COIDAP and services provided, please contact the
Program Coordinator
0418 847 180 or 08 8373 0122
If you need immediate help call the National ‘Mates in Construction Helpline’ on 1300 642 111
If you need advice or are concerned about a workmate, family member or a friend, call COIDAP during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm) or the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on 1300 13 1340, available 8.30am-10pm every day.
TopResources
COIDAP – Program Overview (PDF)
References
3 SA Health, A workplace health and wellbeing toolkit: Step-by-step guide to developing a successful workplace program, 2013
4 ADF, Pidd & Roche, Workplace alcohol and other drug programs: What is good practice? 2013
