Pidd, K.Berry, J.G.Roche, A.M.Harrison, J.E.2016-12-112016-12-112006Medical Journal of Australia, 2006; 185(11-12):637-6410025-729X1326-5377http://hdl.handle.net/2440/103084Objective: To estimate the extent and cost of alcohol-related absenteeism in the Australian workforce. Design: A secondary analysis of select data obtained from 13 582 Australian workers (aged >= 14 years) collected as part of the 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. Main outcome measures: Self-reported measures of alcohol-related absenteeism, illness or injury absenteeism and alcohol consumption categorised according to National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for short- and long term risk. Results: The use of self-reported measures of alcohol-related absenteeism resulted in an estimate of 2 682 865 work days lost due to alcohol use in 2001, at a cost of $437 million. The use of self-reported measures of illness or injury absenteeism to determine the extent of absenteeism attributable to alcohol use resulted in an estimate of 7 402 341 work days lost, at a cost of $1.2 billion. These estimates are about 12 to 34 times greater than previous estimates based on national data. Low-risk drinkers and infrequent or occasional risky and high-risk drinkers accounted for 49%–66% of alcohol related absenteeism. Conclusions: The extent and cost of alcohol-related absenteeism is far greater than previously reported, and more than half the burden of alcohol-related absenteeism is MJA 2006; 185: 637–641 incurred by low-risk drinkers and those who infrequently drink heavily.enCopyright status unknownHumansWounds and InjuriesHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeAlcohol DrinkingRisk-TakingAbsenteeismEpidemiologyAge FactorsSex FactorsTemperanceAdolescentAdultEmploymentCosts and Cost AnalysisAustraliaFemaleMaleJournal article003005916810.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00738.x0002433886000192-s2.0-33846034100279776Berry, J.G. [0000-0002-4446-7927]