You know the feeling — it’s early morning, the team is clocking in, and something feels *off*. Maybe an employee smells faintly of alcohol, or their speech and focus seem slower than usual.
You don’t want to assume the worst, but you also can’t ignore the risk.
That’s the reality many employers face daily — balancing compassion with compliance, and safety with trust.
So, should employers consider breathalyser testing in the workplace, and what are the legal and practical implications?
Let’s unpack what South African law says, how to approach testing fairly, and how technology like ‘Biometric Time Solutions’ integrated breathalyser systems can make implementation easier, faster, and more reliable.
Is workplace breathalysing allowed under South African law?
Yes.
Employers have both a ‘legal and moral duty’ to ensure a safe working environment. The **Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)** requires every employer to take “reasonable and practicable steps” to protect employees from harm — which includes preventing intoxicated workers from entering the premises or operating machinery.
The ‘Labour Relations Act (LRA)’ also recognises intoxication as a legitimate ground for disciplinary action, provided the employer can prove both impairment and a clear breach of workplace policy.
In other words, alcohol testing is permitted *if it’s done fairly, consistently, and transparently*.
Can employees refuse a breathalyser test?
An employee cannot be forced to take a breathalyser test against their will — unless such testing is clearly outlined in company policy and has been communicated, agreed to, and consistently applied.
To protect both parties, the policy should specify:
- When testing will take place (random, routine, post-incident, or reasonable suspicion);
- The acceptable alcohol limit (for most workplaces, a 0.00% tolerance is standard);
- The procedure if an employee refuses or fails the test;
- How results will be recorded and who can access them;
Transparency builds trust — and trust makes compliance easier.
What is the correct procedure for breathalyser testing at work?
For a breathalyser test to be legally valid and defensible, it should follow these best-practice steps:
1. Use a calibrated and certified device. The breathalyser must be maintained and certified for accuracy.
2. Obtain consent. Written as part of a signed company policy.
3. Ensure privacy and dignity. Conduct tests discreetly and without public embarrassment.
4. Record the result immediately. Ideally using a digital system that timestamps and stores results securely.
5. Apply policies consistently. The same rules must apply to everyone, regardless of position.
This is where BTS breathalyser technology integration becomes invaluable — it standardises the process and eliminates human error or subjectivity.
What are the risks of not testing for alcohol in the workplace?
Failing to implement effective alcohol testing can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Workplace accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment or slower reaction times;
- Increased absenteeism and lower productivity;
- Damage to company assets or reputation;
- Legal liability if an intoxicated employee causes harm while on duty.
Even one incident can have significant legal, financial, and human costs — especially in high-risk sectors like mining, logistics, construction, manufacturing, and transport.
How can BTS Breathalyser systems make workplace testing more effective?
Traditional alcohol testing methods often rely on manual supervision, handwritten logs, and subjective interpretation.
Modern systems automate this process entirely.
Biometric Time Solutions (BTS)provides fully integrated breathalyser systems that combine alcohol testing with biometric time and attendance and access control.
Here’s how it works:
- Before clocking in, employees are prompted to complete a quick, contactless breath test;
- If they pass, the biometric terminal (fingerprint or facial recognition) verifies identity and records attendance;
- If the test fails, access is automatically denied, and a digital record is stored securely with the date, time, and test result;
The system can test up to **360 workers per hour**, making it ideal for large workforces or shift changes;
Results are immediate, objective, and compliant — no manual tracking required.
What other biometric solutions support safety and compliance?
BTS offers a complete range of biometric time solutions and access control solutions that complement breathalyser integration, helping employers build a safer, more accountable environment:
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Why should businesses choose Biometric Time Solutions?
Because safety and accountability start with reliable data.
With BTS, testing is fast, fair, and fully automated — turning compliance from a burden into a built-in process.
Whether it’s biometric attendance, access control, or alcohol detection, BTS helps businesses operate with transparency and confidence.
Learn more at biometrictimesolutions.co.za
