This paper evaluates the Drugs and Alcohol Management Programme (DAMP) in New Zealand aviation. Alcohol, medication and drugs are among the most common medical causes of worldwide fatal commercial air transport aircraft accidents. Recent evidence from alcohol and drugs testing programmes of aviation safety-critical workers has demonstrated positive rates at levels that have warranted an increase in testing.
Often, alcoholism and drug usage are undiscovered, unrecognized, and unreported. Aviation is no different and it has been estimated that alcohol abuse and dependence affect approximately five to eight percent of all pilots. Maintenance personnel, cabin crew and management are similarly affected. Given such an impact, it is not surprising that serious consideration has been given to preventative and remedial measures.
Table of Contents
1. Executive summary
2. The purpose and objectives of the programme
2.1 All employees
2.2 In-house company alcohol testers
2.3 Medical Review Officers (MRO)
2.4 Programme leader
2.5 Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)
2.6 Contractors
2.7 Service provider
2.8 Peer support
3. A discussion on the evaluation process used
3.1 Reaction
3.2 Learning
3.3 Behavior
3.4 Results
4. Conclusions and results arising from the evaluation
5. Recommendations
Objectives and Key Themes
This report evaluates the Drugs and Alcohol Management Programme (DAMP) within the New Zealand aviation industry, examining the effectiveness of current educational and testing interventions designed to mitigate impairment-related safety risks.
- Regulatory frameworks for drug and alcohol management in aviation.
- The role of Kirkpatrick’s four-level model in evaluating training efficacy.
- Comparative analysis of random testing versus proactive peer support programmes.
- Safety-sensitive roles and associated organisational responsibilities.
- Economic and safety impacts of drug and alcohol impairment in the workplace.
Excerpt from the Book
3. A discussion on the evaluation process used
Educational intervention is requested as the first level of mitigation to address these issues, avoiding more serious operational consequences.
By far the most popular approach to the evaluation of training in organisations today is Kirkpatrick’s framework of four levels of criteria (Kirkpatrick Partners, 2020).
Inside the organisation, only the four levels model is mentioned as a way to measure training effectiveness.
For instance, the outputs are that the employees who have completed training can demonstrate competence in technical and soft skills and that business objective are achieved.
Therefore this is achieved by receiving feedback on delivery and evaluating training to the fourth level of the Kirkpatrick model.
Summary of Chapters
1. Executive summary: Provides an overview of the safety and economic risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse in the aviation sector and outlines the regulatory context for mitigation.
2. The purpose and objectives of the programme: Defines the scope of the DAMP, detailing training requirements for various roles including employees, testers, and medical officers, and introduces the importance of peer support.
3. A discussion on the evaluation process used: Explains the application of Kirkpatrick’s four-level training evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of the organisation’s interventions.
4. Conclusions and results arising from the evaluation: Assesses the current state of DAMP implementation, highlighting the challenges of gathering data and the reliance on international success metrics.
5. Recommendations: Proposes a holistic approach to drug and alcohol management that balances punitive testing with educational initiatives, peer support, and ethical considerations.
Keywords
DAMP, Aviation Safety, Alcohol Management, Drug Testing, Kirkpatrick Model, Peer Support, Workplace Impairment, Regulatory Framework, Training Evaluation, Occupational Health, Safety-Sensitive Roles, Just Culture, Rehabilitation, New Zealand Aviation, Employee Assistance Programme
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this work?
The work provides an evaluation of the Drugs and Alcohol Management Programme (DAMP) within the New Zealand aviation sector to determine its effectiveness in maintaining safety and managing impairment risks.
What are the central themes of the document?
The central themes include regulatory compliance, training methodologies for safety-critical personnel, the economic impact of substance abuse, and the balance between punitive measures and support-based interventions.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to analyze how training and management programmes, evaluated via the Kirkpatrick model, contribute to a safer working environment and mitigate the risks associated with drug and alcohol impairment.
Which scientific framework is used to evaluate the training?
The document uses Kirkpatrick’s four-level model, which assesses reaction, learning, behavior, and results to determine the overall effectiveness of training programmes.
What is covered in the main body of the document?
The main body covers the legislative background, specific training protocols for different roles, a detailed discussion on evaluation processes, and an analysis of existing industry results.
Which keywords best describe the research?
Key terms include DAMP, Aviation Safety, Workplace Impairment, Kirkpatrick Model, Peer Support, and Occupational Health.
Why is peer support considered more effective than random testing?
Peer support is highlighted for its ability to foster early recognition and guide employees toward treatment, potentially preventing issues before they require punitive intervention.
What role do Medical Review Officers (MRO) play in the programme?
MROs are responsible for assessing substance use and dependency, interpreting test results, and ensuring that those affected receive appropriate medical and rehabilitative support.
- Quote paper
- Damien Hiquet (Author), 2021, Drugs and Alcohol Management Programme (DAMP) in New Zealand Aviation. An Evaluation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1151312
