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Integrity Sampling has helped hundreds of Australian companies improve safety and compliance with expert workplace drug and alcohol testing and management.

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  • Products
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    • Victoria
      • Drug & alcohol testing Melbourne
      • Victorian Relationships
    • New South Wales
      • Drug and alcohol testing Sydney
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      • Drug and alcohol testing Darwin
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      • Drug and alcohol testing Brisbane
    • South Australia
      • Drug and alcohol testing Adelaide
    • Tasmania
      • Drug and alcohol testing Hobart
    • Western Australia
      • Drug and alcohol testing Perth
  • Resources
    • Medicinal cannabis
    • Implementing testing
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Find out about the latest drug, alcohol and drug and alcohol testing news Latest News

Author: Michael

Michael is the founder of Integrity Sampling and is responsible for overseeing all national operations. He is based at Integrity Sampling's head office in Melbourne and is also responsible for the co-ordination of drug and alcohol testing within Victoria, assisting in the implementation of drug and alcohol (fit for work) policies and the presentation of drug and alcohol education and awareness programs.

You can connect with Michael Wheeldon on LinkedIn

End of COVID-19 restrictions could be start of drug flood

The change that requires those who want to purchase painkillers containing codeine to see a doctor for a prescription, instead of purchasing over the counter, appears to have resulted in a reduction in the number of positive workplace drug testing results for opiates. Codeine is an opioid drug that is closely related to morphine, and other medications, as well as the illicit drug heroin. The codeine change, which was introduced in Australia on 1 February this year, was brought in to reduce the harm caused by overuse and abuse of codeine specifically and opiates in general. Another key reason for the change was the lack of evidence to show that codeine medications are any more effective for pain relief, colds, flus and other ailments than similar medications that don’t have the same harmful effects as codeine. As we’ve mentioned in the past in our blog, the use of codeine medications can result in positive workplace drug testing results. This is particularly the case when the drug is taken above recommended dosages, either inadvertently or deliberately. So, has the change reduced the number of positive opiate results? In short, yes. Integrity Sampling has compared workplace drug testing results from testing carried out in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania in specific industries between April and August 2017, against the same period and involving the same industries in 2018. The significance of this period is that it is the traditional cold and flu season and is the period when opiate positive results have usually risen. While the sample size is relatively small (less than 5000) the results show that compared to 68 positive results for opiates during the April – August period in 2017, there were only 37 in 2018. That’s a significant reduction of around 46 per cent. During the same periods, cannabis and methamphetamine positives rose (46 positives in 2017 compared with 56 in 2018 for cannabis, and 56 positives in 2017 compared with 79 in 2018 for methamphetamines. As mentioned, the sample size is small and we’d like to see results in subsequent years before making any ground-breaking statements, but it is none-the-less an important drop and a positive step forward.

An article on LADBIBLE says there is one good thing about COVID-19 restrictions; it’s been keeping potentially deadly drugs out of Australia. That’s the good news. The bad news is…

Continue reading End of COVID-19 restrictions could be start of drug flood
Published September 3, 2020

Workplace drug testing failing the test

Workplace drug testing results are showing a worrying trend. Credit Press/REX/Shutterstock

Last week we brought you an article on the increase in failed workplace drug testing results in the United Kingdom, where one-in-four workers tested have provided positive results in the…

Continue reading Workplace drug testing failing the test
Published September 1, 2020

Workplace drug use up during COVID-19

What drug are you most likely to detect in workplace drug testing in WA? The photo provides a hint, but here’s another clue: that’s not a normal cigarette!

According to an article on the UK’s businessdesk.com, the use of drugs has soared among staff during the coronavirus lockdown. More than one-in-four UK workers have tested positive for drugs…

Continue reading Workplace drug use up during COVID-19
Published August 27, 2020

Testing times in South Australia

A policeman in South Australia has described as ‘reprehensible’ the actions of motorists who failed drug testing and alcohol testing near schools last week. Credit Clover Autrey (image modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/84388958@N03/7729294806/

There have been further examples of the irresponsible risks people are prepared to take on our roads, this time in South Australia, with drivers failing drug testing and alcohol testing…

Continue reading Testing times in South Australia
Published August 25, 2020

Alcohol testing – the gift of love

Drager Alcotest 3820 alcohol breathalyser

If you’re looking for a Father’s Day present for your dad, husband or significant other, we’ve got a suggestion for you that might not be romantic, but it sure is…

Continue reading Alcohol testing – the gift of love
Published August 19, 2020

What can you do if you think an employee is high?

Should you conduct workplace drug testing is you think an employee is under the influence?

 Imagine if you were a supervisor, manager or owner of a business and you suspected one of your employees was high on drugs. What can you do? What should you…

Continue reading What can you do if you think an employee is high?
Published August 12, 2020

MP calls for increased drug testing on roads in Victoria

Calls from an MP to increase roadside drug testing in Victoria may have some getting hot under the collar, but there is evidence to support the demands. Credit TAC.

As we alluded to in one of last week’s posts (see Policing the police with drug testing), many people would like to see less drug testing on our roads, but…

Continue reading MP calls for increased drug testing on roads in Victoria
Published August 4, 2020

Policing the police with drug testing

Police in Australia have a safety-focussed role – including making arrests – so it shouldn’t surprise that they do face drug testing. Credit David Villa https://www.flickr.com/photos/villadavida/3325349646/

One of the regular comments on our Facebook page when we provide a report on drug testing – particularly roadside testing – is that the police should leave ‘innocent’, hard-working…

Continue reading Policing the police with drug testing
Published July 29, 2020

Australians’ drug and alcohol habits exposed

What drug are you most likely to detect in workplace drug testing in WA? The photo provides a hint, but here’s another clue: that’s not a normal cigarette!

According to an article in the West Australian, Australians are smoking less, still drinking dangerously high amounts and taking more drugs than they were three years ago. The article is…

Continue reading Australians’ drug and alcohol habits exposed
Published July 24, 2020

Why is drug testing necessary?

Key findings from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 have just been released and they provide an interesting insight into Australians’ use of legal and illegal drugs… And support the need for drug testing. Credit Marketeering Group https://www.flickr.com/photos/184869336@N08/48861865166/

National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 One of the common criticisms of police forces, governments and organisations like ours around Australia when it comes to drug testing is that it’s…

Continue reading Why is drug testing necessary?
Published July 22, 2020

Drug and alcohol testing hits the back street in WA

Drug and alcohol abuse and misuse doesn’t discriminate, which is why drug and alcohol testing is for all ages, sexes and social statuses.

According to an article on the PerthNow website, WA drivers who use the back streets to avoid roadside drug and alcohol testing better watch out! That’s because the WA Police…

Continue reading Drug and alcohol testing hits the back street in WA
Published July 16, 2020

Drug testing in Victoria an open and shut case

Failing drug testing on Victoria’s roads may ‘only’ end up with your paying a fine and losing your licence for a while, but then again it could also result in you being locked up, where drugs also appear to be readily available. Credit Jobs For Felons Hub https://www.flickr.com/photos/144110575@N07/27680527941/

Police conduct drug testing on Victoria’s roads and on Victoria’s waterways, while organisations such as Integrity Sampling conduct drug testing in Victoria’s workplaces, so it shouldn’t surprise that tests are…

Continue reading Drug testing in Victoria an open and shut case
Published July 14, 2020

Alcohol testing results alarm ACT Police

ACT Police are alarmed at a spike in failed alcohol testing results

An article on the-riotact.com claims that ACT Policing is alarmed at a spike in failed alcohol testing results and is warning Canberra motorists to stay safe and not to drink…

Continue reading Alcohol testing results alarm ACT Police
Published July 9, 2020

Can you beat saliva drug testing?

Can you beat drug testing at work or at home? Now might not be the best time to ask!

One of the frequent questions we get asked is ‘Can you beat drug testing?’. Now, while some people may raise their eyebrows at the question and wonder what illegal substance…

Continue reading Can you beat saliva drug testing?
Published July 7, 2020

Aussies turning to drugs

ICE in our wastewater? There is good and bad news for workplace drug testing in Perth and WA, from the fifth report of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program.

Australian Associated Press has featured an alarming article that highlights that, “Australia’s toxic love affair with stimulants is in full bloom, driven by a relentless appetite for ice, samples from…

Continue reading Aussies turning to drugs
Published July 3, 2020

Drug and drink driving a concern in Queensland

Roadside drug testing and alcohol testing in Queensland is providing some alarming results. Credit Highway Patrol Images https://www.flickr.com/photos/special-fx/6619635421/

Drug and drink driving and speeding are the major targets of Queensland Police, as they fight to arrest an alarming rise in road deaths despite fewer motorists on the roads…

Continue reading Drug and drink driving a concern in Queensland
Published July 1, 2020

Australian workplace drug testing laws

Are there workplace drug testing laws in Australia? Credit John Cowper https://www.flickr.com/photos/johncowper/48203497571/in/photostream/

If you’re contemplating introducing drug testing to your workplace, one of the things you may have considered is whether there are any Australian workplace drug testing laws and, if there…

Continue reading Australian workplace drug testing laws
Published June 23, 2020

How accurate is drug testing?

How accurate is drug testing on our roads and in our workplace? Credit Highway Patrol Images https://www.flickr.com/photos/special-fx/5283385169/

If you’ve been stopped to undertake drug testing on the roads by police, or you are required to undergo drug testing in your workplace, you may have wondered how accurate…

Continue reading How accurate is drug testing?
Published June 16, 2020

Tiredness and fatigue often indicates an underlying health problem

In many cases, fatigue in the workplace causes a severe risk to health and wellbeing, as well as diminishing productivity. Its accompanying loss of focus, concentration and judgment can mean danger to life and livelihood for employers, as well as the loss of time, money, and morale amongst colleagues. Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to tackle tiredness, which can ensure employees’ safety and reassure company security.

In many cases, fatigue in the workplace causes a severe risk to health and wellbeing, as well as diminishing productivity. Its accompanying loss of focus, concentration and judgment can mean danger to…

Continue reading Tiredness and fatigue often indicates an underlying health problem
Published June 11, 2020

Roadside drug and alcohol testing returns

Random drug and alcohol testing is returning to our roads. Credit Newtown grafitti https://www.flickr.com/photos/newtown_grafitti/5823825993

There’s another sign that Australia has done an excellent job in reducing the spread of COVID-19: roadside drug and alcohol testing is returning to normal in some states and territories.…

Continue reading Roadside drug and alcohol testing returns
Published June 9, 2020

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Integrity Sampling Australia Pty Ltd is an Exclusive Dräger Partner. We are accredited to Australian Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. We are certified by the Compass Quality Management System ISO 9001.

Integrity Sampling Australia Pty Ltd is certified by the Compass Quality Management System ISO 9001.
Integrity Sampling Australia Pty Ltd is accredited to Australian Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
Integrity Sampling Australia Pty Ltd is an Exclusive Dräger Partner. We are accredited to Australian Standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. We are certified by the Compass Quality Management System ISO 9001.
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