When it comes to workplace drug testing in Perth and Western Australia, methamphetamines – including ICE – are public enemy number one.
While nationwide statistics show that methamphetamines are not the most commonly used illicit drug (that dubious honour goes to cannabis), drug testing in Perth and Western Australia, as well as other research, indicates that the use of the drug is higher in WA.
According to Integrity Sampling WA Director, Paul Marshall, drug testing carried out by Integrity Sampling in workplaces around the state show that methamphetamines are responsible for more positive tests than any other illicit drug.
“Statistically, across the past three months, methamphetamines has accounted for 67% of all illicit drug detections in drug testing we’ve carried out in Perth and Western Australia,” Paul says.
Interestingly, Paul adds that Thursday is the day when he and his workplace drug testing colleagues see the most number of positive tests across Perth and Western Australia. This goes against the generally held belief that Monday is the highest detection day.
The workplace drug testing results by Integrity Sampling in Perth and Western Australia are in line with recent research and other findings that show that methamphetamines are a bigger issue in WA than any other state:
- Western Australians are the biggest users of methamphetamines in Australia. In fact, the latest research shows that 3.8% of Perth and Western Australian people over the age of 14 use the drug, compared with the national figure of 2.1%.
- Recent research by the Western Australian State Government found that Western Australians are using around 2 tonnes of methamphetamines a year (see Drug testing in Perth… Using your toilet!)
- Western Australian District Court Judge Philip McCann, during a sentencing hearing of a meth dealer in May, described the use of ICE and methamphetamines in the state as being among the worst in the civilised world.
Workplace drug testing can help protect your business
While the most common meth user is a male aged between 20 and 29 years of age and living in Perth and surrounds, Paul Marshall points out that ICE and other forms of methamphetamines do not discriminate.
“Our workplace drug testing across Perth and Western Australia shows that due to the nature of these drugs, they do not discriminate when it comes to age, education, social status or day of the week.
“The unfortunate reality is that people are continuing to take risks. For workplaces in Perth and Western Australia, this means the only way they can protect their businesses is to develop and adhere to a drug and alcohol policy, including regular and sustained workplace drug testing.
