Traffic management crews work in one of Australia's most dangerous occupational environments. Even minor impairment from alcohol can turn routine roadwork into a fatal incident when workers are operating centimetres from live traffic at highway speeds.
Breathalysers have become a critical safety control in traffic management operations, not as a punitive measure but as a practical tool for preventing incidents before they occur. For companies managing road crews, traffic controllers and construction teams working in active traffic zones, workplace breathalysers provide objective verification that every worker is fit to step onto the road.
When implemented correctly, breathalysers help ensure workers are fit for duty before stepping onto a live road environment, while also supporting compliance, consistency, and a strong safety culture.
Why alcohol risk is higher in traffic management environments
Many workers assume that staying under the legal driving limit of 0.05% blood alcohol concentration means they are fit for work. This assumption creates significant risk in safety-critical environments.
Measurable impairment begins well below 0.05% BAC. Research shows that reaction times slow and decision-making deteriorates at levels as low as 0.02% BAC. For workers operating in traffic management roles where fractions of a second matter, this level of impairment is unacceptable.
Residual alcohol presents a common problem in early morning shifts. A worker who stops drinking at midnight may still have alcohol in their system when reporting for a 6am start, particularly if they consumed multiple drinks. The body metabolises alcohol at roughly one standard drink per hour, but this rate varies based on individual factors including body weight, food consumption and metabolism.
Self-assessment is unreliable. Workers cannot accurately gauge their own blood alcohol level based on how they feel. Someone may believe they have slept off the effects of alcohol from the previous night while still being measurably impaired.
Most traffic management companies have adopted zero BAC policies for this reason. These policies recognise that any detectable alcohol represents an unacceptable safety risk in high-consequence work environments. Breathalysers make these policies enforceable by providing objective measurements rather than relying on worker self-reporting or supervisor observation.
From policy to practice: alcohol testing on live road sites
Most traffic management companies already have drug and alcohol policies in place. The challenge is translating those policies into consistent, real-world practice across multiple sites, crews, and shift patterns.
Clear drug and alcohol testing protocols for roadside maintenance staff typically include:
- Testing before workers enter active road zones
- Defined zero BAC thresholds
- Documented procedures for failed tests
- Privacy and consent safeguards
- Clear escalation and support pathways
Breathalysers allow these protocols to be applied fairly and consistently, removing guesswork and subjective judgement from fitness-for-work decisions.
How to implement a workplace alcohol testing policy for road crews
A successful breathalyser programme starts with structure, not hardware. Companies that implement testing smoothly usually follow a staged approach:
First, the policy must clearly define when testing occurs, who conducts it, and how results are handled. Workers should understand that testing is preventative and safety-driven, not punitive.
Second, training is critical. Breathalyser training for site safety officers ensures tests are conducted correctly, results are interpreted accurately, and conversations with workers remain professional and respectful.
Finally, systems must support scale. As crews grow or projects expand, testing processes need to remain efficient without slowing down site start times or creating friction.
Portable vs wall-mounted breathalysers for construction sites
Choosing the right hardware depends on how and where crews operate.
Portable breathalysers are often preferred by small road surfacing contractors or mobile crews. They allow testing to occur at different locations and are well suited to short-duration projects or rotating sites.
Wall-mounted systems, by contrast, are commonly used by larger traffic management companies with depots or consistent site access points. These units streamline testing at the start of shifts and reduce handling by multiple users.
For many organisations, a hybrid approach works best: combining portable units for remote sites with fixed systems at depots or main yards.
Choosing breathalysers that support compliance, not just testing
Not all devices are suitable for safety-critical environments. The best breathalysers for traffic management are those designed specifically for industrial use, not consumer self-testing.
Key features include accuracy, durability, and traceability. Industrial-grade systems often include data logging breathalysers for safety compliance reporting, allowing companies to demonstrate due diligence if incidents are investigated.
Calibration requirements for industrial-grade breathalysers are another critical consideration. Regular calibration ensures accuracy and reliability, and reputable suppliers provide clear schedules and service support to keep devices compliant.
Data logging and reporting: a growing compliance expectation
As safety standards evolve, so do reporting expectations. Many clients and regulators now expect evidence that safety systems are actively used, not just written into policy.
Enterprise breathalyser systems with data logging and reporting features allow:
- Secure storage of test results
- Time and date tracking
- Audit-ready compliance records
- Trend analysis to identify risk patterns
This capability shifts alcohol testing from a reactive measure to a proactive risk management tool.
Hygiene, sustainability, and large work sites
On large road projects with high crew turnover, practical considerations matter. Breathalyser mouthpiece recycling and disposal for large work sites is increasingly part of procurement discussions, particularly for companies with sustainability commitments.
Single-use mouthpieces maintain hygiene standards while recycling programs reduce waste. When combined with clear procedures, these systems support both worker confidence and environmental responsibility.
Real-world application: lessons from Highways Traffic
Highways Traffic, a Western Australian-based traffic management company, introduced breathalyser testing across its operations to address the specific risks their crews face. The company works on major infrastructure projects where workers regularly operate in live traffic conditions on arterial roads and freeways.
The decision to implement breathalysers came from recognition that traditional safety controls were not sufficient for the environment their workers operated in. Management identified that while they had extensive traffic management plans and safety procedures, they lacked a reliable method to verify workers were not impaired at the start of shifts.
The company integrated the Soberlive breathalyser system into their daily pre-start routine. Workers now complete breathalyser testing as a standard part of signing on for shifts, similar to how they complete vehicle checks or review job safety analyses. The system captures and stores test results, providing both immediate verification and a compliance record.
Results have reinforced the value of the approach. The company reports increased confidence in their safety systems, with supervisors having objective data to support fitness-for-work decisions. Workers have adapted to testing as normal practice, and the system has strengthened the company's overall safety culture by demonstrating management commitment to preventing impairment-related incidents.
The implementation also simplified compliance processes. When clients or principal contractors request evidence of safety systems, Highways Traffic can demonstrate both their zero BAC policy and the testing system that enforces it. This capability has become increasingly important as major projects demand higher safety assurance from subcontractors.
Why breathalysers are becoming standard in traffic management
Across the industry, breathalyser adoption is no longer driven by incidents alone. It is driven by accountability, client expectations, and a growing recognition that prevention is more effective than response.
For traffic management companies, breathalysers support:
- Safer crews and safer roads
- Clearer compliance documentation
- Consistent application of zero BAC policies
- Stronger trust with clients and regulators
As safety-critical industries continue to evolve, breathalyser systems are increasingly seen as a baseline control, not an optional extra.
Supporting safer roads through better safety systems
Breathalysers are not about catching people out. They are about protecting workers, road users, and businesses operating in environments where mistakes can have serious consequences.
With the right policy, training, and technology in place, breathalyser programs help traffic management companies move from reactive compliance to proactive safety leadership.
Contact Andatech to discuss breathalyser solutions suited to your operational requirements, crew size and project locations.
