AT least one mining company has stopped testing the blood alcohol content of its workers after concerns were raised about the potential spread of coronavirus from up to hundreds of workers per day using a single breath-analysis machine.
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Workers at some Hunter mine sites are required under company policies to use what are mostly fixed breathalysers in mandatory pre-shift testing.
Some workers have raised concerns about the safety of the process during the COVID-19 pandemic with their employers and the union.
One worker told the Newcastle Herald the use of the machines was "constantly" being discussed among work crews and "if that doesn't put us at risk of getting sick I don't know what will".
"Everyone has to blow in the machine and then all the next shift's staff and contractors have to," the worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said.
"It could be anywhere between 150 and 400 people blowing into two machines.
"When people complain they tell us that we're blowing in the machine not sucking on it. I just don't think they [management] understand how serious this is."
Delta Coal has suspended use of the machines at Chain Valley Colliery indefinitely.
"Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Delta Coal has ceased mandatory BAC testing prior to the start of each shift due to the increased risk, particularly around the handing of the straws required for the testing," a spokesman said.
"While the machine has a non-return valve that prevents exhaled air from one employee coming into contact with the next ... we have formed the view that in the current circumstances it is best [it] is not used."
The spokesman said Delta Coal had a "zero tolerance approach to drugs and alcohol in the workplace" and would continue random drug and alcohol testing.
Glencore, which operates a number of Hunter mines, maintains it is safe to use the breathalysers.
The company said testing was a key part of health and safety management undertaken "to ensure people do not come to work and operate large equipment under the influence of alcohol".
"We must continue to manage known risks such as alcohol and Glencore's independent medical advisor considers the risk of infection from the breath analysis machines to be negligible," it said.
"The breath test involves use of a disposable, single use, paper wrapped, 20-centimetre plastic straw."
CFMEU district president Peter Jordan said the union did not "advocate a one size fits all approach".
"Ultimately, it is up to mine operators to have robust risk management protocols around breathalysing and other work and pre-start practices in place," he said, adding some had reduced breathalyser use "to a random sample" or introduced "greater hygiene measures".
"Any mineworker with concerns about unsafe work practices should raise it with their site safety and health representatives and site management and the union which will investigate and follow the matter."
Centennial Coal said it did not use breathalysers.
Yancoal and BHP did not respond to requests for comment.
