Is management aware of workplace policies? A case where important guidelines were not followed

A glass manufacturer terminated an employee with an alcohol dependency problem who had previously considered suicide after he was found to have consumed alcohol at work. The employee was deemed a significant health and safety risk and the business was also concerned that they would be at risk of an industrial manslaughter charge if the employee remained in the business. The day after the employee was dismissed for consuming alcohol at work, the employee died by suicide.
 
The Worksafe authority investigated the incident for any possible health and safety breaches but did not lay any charges against any party due to insufficient evidence.
 
However, it was found that the employer ignored its own drugs and alcohol guidelines found within enterprise agreement which focused on rehabilitation (i.e. referral to an Employee Assistance Program, behaviour modification and education) rather than termination. Following the guidelines within he enterprise agreement may have prevented the employee’s death.
 
Management are responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of policy and procedure to ensure the health and wellbeing of their employees and that all employees adhere to requirements around their contracts or enterprise agreements, especially when it comes to serious issues around drugs and alcohol, and disciplinary processes