Drug and alcohol misuse is estimated to cost Australian business billions of dollars annually and increases the risk of accidents and incidents in the workplace, through Workplace Health and Safety Legislation, employers have a responsibility to.
Employers can be proactive by undertaking the detection and management of the risks associated with misuse of recreational drugs and alcohol amongst employees and contractors.
Employee drug testing is increasingly being carried out by organisations due to the general recognition that the use of alcohol and other recreational drugs can present a hazard in the workplace. Drug testing may also be useful in pre-employment assessment.
The testing services available include:
- Pre-employment screening
- Employee health screens
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Biological monitoring
- Environmental water testing
- Insurance/superannuation-related testing
Some other services available include:
- On site workplace collections
- Pre-printed customised request forms
- Specialist medical advice
- ‘Formulating your company’s drug and alcohol policy.
The following drugs may be tested for:
- Cannabinoids (i.e. Marijuana)
- Amphetamine type substances (e.g. Speed, ecstasy etc.)
- Benzodiazepines (valium etc.)
- Cocaine
- Opiates (e.g. heroin, morphine)
- Barbiturates.
In addition to the six main drug classes, Alcohol (Ethanol) and Methadone Metabolite may also be detected.
Identifying potential risk behaviours
The types of behaviour that may lead an employer to suspecting drug and alcohol misuse include:
- Frequent sick leave especially one to two days following a weekend
- Frequent workplace accidents and incidents
- Theft
- Frequent requests for pay advances
- Behavioural changes (e.g. aggression, depression)
- Frequent, longer or unexplained breaks during work
- Presence of drug taking paraphernalia in the workplace (e.g. bongs, foils, needles).
Identifying these behaviours and creating a shift in workplace culture with respect to fitness for work, is an important part of an employer’s duty of care for a safe workplace environment.
Formulating your Company Policy
The issue of testing for the misuse of alcohol and other drugs in the workplace can be an intimidating and sensitive issue and requires an understanding approach between the employer and employee. Healthscope Commercial Pathology can provide you with assistance and direction in developing Policy and Procedures and implementing a range of training, education and testing programs including:
- Alcohol and drug awareness sessions
- Pre-employment drug screening and medicals
- Random, for-cause and post incident testing
- Sample collection and laboratory analysis
- Training and presentation material
- Supervisor training in the assessment and management of workplace alcohol
- Drug related incidents and issues
- Administration of employee lists and selection process.
Healthscope Commercial Pathology works in cooperation with occupational health physicians, unions and employees by providing this service in a sensitive and professional manner and is one of Australia’s largest and longest-established pathology service providers. With over 60 laboratories and 500+ patient centres across all states and territories in Australia, we process more than three million tests every year. Our operations extend internationally with laboratories in New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia. We are accredited to the highest international standards by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) and boast world-class experience and reputation.
The commercial business arm of Healthscope Limited encompasses all non- Medicare pathology and provides services to a wide range of other organisations and industries including companies, occupational health and safety providers, consultants and government bodies.
Sample Collection
Sample collections can be carried out at your place of work or at any of our 500+ collection centres Australia-wide. Opening hours vary but are generally from 7:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday with some centres open Saturdays. Arrangements can be made for collections outside hours or weekends. Please refer to individual centre locations for opening and closing times.
For further information on Employee Health Screen packages and Drug and Alcohol testing, please call Healthscope Commercial Pathology on 13 52 27 www.healthscopepathology.com.au
Locations:
VICTORIA 1868 Dandenong Rd, Clayton VIC 3168
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1 Goodwood Road, Wayville SA 5034
QUEENSLAND Level 3, 123 Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215
TASMANIA 186 Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000
NEW SOUTH WALES 2 Leeds St, Rhodes NSW 2138
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 223 High St, Fremantle WA 6160
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