We carry on a lot about the need for workplace drug testing in Queensland and across Australia, but it is for good reason. Not only does evidence prove that illegal drugs are used by many Australians, we also know from our own drug testing and testing carried out on roadsides, that many Queenslanders and Australians are willing to take the risk and go to work after taking drugs.
And recent news would suggest that no workplace is immune from the scourge of drugs.
- It might be considered a sport but horse racing is also a business and like other workplaces there are some participants who are willing to take a risk… And willing to try to try to cover it up! According to the Australian Associated Press, late last month a Queensland jockey was stood down for trying to dodge a drug test. It’s alleged the jockey provided a fake urine drug testing sample (which is one of the main reasons we prefer saliva drug testing over urine drug testing – see https://integritysampling.com.au/2017/05/urine-testing-saliva-testing-queensland/). Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s Ross Barnett said “Any planned deception to deliberately provide a false sample would only be undertaken by a person with something to hide. All racing participants have an obligation to present to work without prohibited substances in their system for the safety of other participants and for the welfare of animals.”
- Earlier this month, nine Australian military personnel based at Townsville in Queensland came under fire after failing drug testing. Other military personnel at the base have also failed drug testing in recent weeks. It’s alleged that cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines have been detected during the drug testing. A Department of Defence spokeswoman is quoted in The Australian as saying, “Illicit drug use within the Australian Defence Force is not tolerated and offenders face administrative action. This action may include termination of service in accordance with ADF policy.”
- Drug use in shearing has come under the spotlight again with an article in the Western Magazine suggesting that some shearers are taking methamphetamines in the belief that it makes them work harder, shear more sheep and therefore get paid more. The article quotes shearer Phillip Skewes, who says, ““I had two blokes working for me and they were taking speed and they were just shearing flat out. You couldn’t talk to them. I asked them to slow down and do a better job but they were just that hyped up they couldn’t. It’s been going on for quite a long time.” Shearing in Queensland is a large industry and in recent years has grown again, after years of drought and issues with wild dogs.
Are drugs affecting your workplace?
Are drugs an issue in your workplace? How can you tell whether they are or aren’t?
The only true way to confirm that an employee is under the influence of drugs is to carry out drug testing. Integrity Sampling conducts drug testing across Queensland and can help your workplace with all facets of drug and alcohol management. To find out more, give us a call on 1300 SALIVA.
Drugs are an issue in most Queensland workplaces, including the defence force, with soldiers based in Townsville recently failing drug testing. Credit DVIDSHUB (image modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/dvids/5933879140/
