Pubdate: Sun, 28 Oct 2007
Source: Mercury, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2007 Davies Brothers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.themercury.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/193
Author: Michael Stedman
Photo: Making Inroads into Work: Random drug and alcohol tests like 
those used on motorists are now becoming increasingly used in 
Tasmanian workplaces. http://www.mapinc.org/images/drugtestingahead.jpg
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

LEAP IN WORK DRUG TESTS

THERE has been a massive increase in random drug and alcohol testing 
in Tasmanian workplaces amid concerns that recreational drug habits 
are spilling into work time. Integrity Sampling, one of Australia's 
biggest drug-testing companies, has reported a 70 per cent increase 
in Tasmanian clients over the past 12 months, including construction 
company Fairbrother and Metro Tasmania.Colin Thomas, Integrity 
Sampling's general manager for Tasmania and Queensland, said demand 
for random testing was booming.

"The interest levels in recent months have really picked up as people 
become more concerned about the safety issues to do with drugs in the 
workplace," Mr Thomas said.

About one in 30 workers return a positive result.

A 2004 study by South Australia's Flinders University found that 7 
per cent of hospitality workers and 4.2 per cent of construction 
workers admitted to using illegal drugs at work.

Other industries considered at risk include transport, shipping, 
aviation, primary industries, sport and manufacturing.

There is a growing push for testing of white-collar workers, 
particularly doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who have 
ready access to drugs.

At a seminar during Workplace Safe Week last week, drug use was 
described as a growing problem for Tasmanian employers.

Alcohol and Drug Service youth alcohol and drug worker Katie Daly 
said there was evidence that record levels of drug use were filtering 
into workplaces.

She said many people were unaware their recreational activities could 
compromise their work and put themselves and others at risk.

"If you are using recreational drugs on the weekend like amphetamines 
or ecstasy then there is a period of a crash or a comedown that can 
last for a couple of days and if they are doing dangerous work, they 
are likely to be unsuitable to work during that period," Ms Daly said.

She said drug testing should be accompanied by clear drug policies 
and rehabilitation options.

"The workplace should be doing some of that education by having an 
alcohol and drug policy in place to make sure their workers are aware 
of the fact there is a risk that if they are using on the weekend or 
the night before, then they may still be impaired the next day," she said.

Metro Tasmania manager risk Tony Jago said the company's 
zero-tolerance policy on drugs and alcohol wasn't about restricting 
what workers did in their free time.

We are not the lifestyle police. We just want people to be fit to 
work during the week and what they do in their spare time is their 
choice," Mr Jago said.

"We want to assure people that if they get on a bus, they can be safe 
with the people behind the wheel."

Since random testing was introduced in January, all tests have been negative. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake