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Substance Abuse and Impairment Management in the Workplace

An impaired operator on a machine, a vehicle or at height is a direct threat to everyone around them, yet many workplaces have no clear way to identify or respond to intoxication. This course helps organisations build a fair and defensible impairment management approach covering policy, testing, supervisor recognition and support for affected employees. It addresses alcohol, cannabis and other substances within the practical and legal realities of the South African workplace.

What you will be able to do

  • Recognise the safety risks that impairment introduces into hazardous work.
  • Develop a workplace substance policy that is clear, fair and enforceable.
  • Apply testing arrangements correctly while respecting employee rights.
  • Equip supervisors to recognise signs of impairment and act appropriately.
  • Handle an impaired employee incident consistently and with dignity.
  • Connect affected employees with support and rehabilitation options.

Course outline

  1. 01Impairment as a safety risk
  2. 02Substances and their effects on performance
  3. 03Developing a defensible workplace policy
  4. 04Testing methods, consent and rights
  5. 05Supervisor recognition and first response
  6. 06Managing incidents fairly
  7. 07Support, referral and return to work

Who should attend

Safety officers, human resources practitioners, line managers and supervisors responsible for managing impairment risk in safety critical work.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Online3US$900
24 to 26 Aug 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Cairo3US$1,500
7 to 9 Sep 2026Accra3US$1,500
14 to 16 Sep 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
21 to 23 Sep 2026Kigali3US$1,500
28 to 30 Sep 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
5 to 7 Oct 2026Durban3R13,000
12 to 14 Oct 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
26 to 28 Oct 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Dubai3US$1,500
9 to 11 Nov 2026Lagos3US$1,500
16 to 18 Nov 2026Harare3US$1,500
23 to 25 Nov 2026Kampala3US$1,500
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
7 to 9 Dec 2026Pretoria3R13,000
14 to 16 Dec 2026Cape Town3R13,000

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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