Should Tasmania’s elected officials undergo drug and alcohol testing? That’s the question Waratah–Wynyard Deputy Mayor Celisa Edwards is posing. She has asked council staff to investigate introducing testing for the…
Latest Drugs and Alcohol News
How do people buy illegal drugs?
Have you ever wondered how people buy illegal drugs, or get hold of prescription medication without a script? For many of us who have never used illegal drugs — or…
Drug and alcohol safety compliance in WA: why recent WorkSafe prosecutions matter
There seems to be a million and one things to focus on when you run a business in Western Australia. Which is why your most important responsibilities — such as…
Cannabis and workplace drug testing: why cannabis remains the most detected drug in Australia
Soaring meth abuse at work prompts warning to bosses, screamed one recent news headline. Cocaine use at work up 18% year on year, blasted another. So let’s add to the…
Random roadside drug testing surprise in NSW
Traffic and Highway Patrol officers near Yass in regional NSW expected a routine drug and alcohol testing stop when they pulled over a truck on the Hume Highway on a…
Reinforce behaviours, not just procedures
If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you’ll know the importance we place on a strong workplace drug and alcohol policy. Clear drug and alcohol policy requirements set the…
Heat stress in NT workplaces: Why impairment makes conditions more dangerous
The Northern Territory is famous for many things, including our high temperature and humidity. The heat is a constant challenge, particularly for employees in blue‑collar roles where air conditioning is…
Employee misconceptions about drugs and alcohol in the workplace
Most safety‑focused workplaces know that workplace drug and alcohol education is important, but how do you keep the learning interesting and engaging? There are only so many sessions you can…
Workplace drug & alcohol myths that won’t die
Misunderstandings about workplace drug and alcohol management are more common than many people realise. Even in safety‑critical industries, long‑standing myths continue to influence how employees think about impairment, testing, and…
Illegal alcohol in Victoria: Why workplaces should be paying attention
Illegal alcohol is making headlines across Victoria. Police, regulators and health experts are warning that illegal products are appearing in bottle shops, hospitality venues and private supply chains. This trend…
Why saliva drug testing prevents workplace sample tampering
A recent Fair Work Commission case has highlighted a problem that many workplace leaders don’t know or don’t understand. When using urine for workplace drug testing, a sample can be…
Prescription medication risks in Queensland workplaces
If you saw one of your employees drinking in a pub before a shift, injecting themselves, or smoking cannabis in the car park, the alarm bells would ring immediately. Alcohol…
Drug and alcohol testing programs – why ticking the box is never enough
You are the Health and Safety Manager at a busy manufacturing plant. You feel confident your drug and alcohol testing programs are in good shape. Your policy is detailed and…
Drug testing for employers in South Australia: What SAPOL’s 20-year milestone means
South Australia Police has marked a major milestone in roadside drug testing, with the program reaching 20 years of operation. Since July 1, 2006, South Australia Police (SAPOL) officers have…
Middle-aged men drive workplace alcohol risk
If you’re a typical middle‑aged Australian man, there’s a reasonable chance you drink alcohol at risky levels. This statement may sound harsh, but the data backs it up. National research,…
Ferry drug bust highlights why drug testing in Tasmania is essential
When most of us board a ferry for a holiday to Tasmania, we probably take the opportunity to pack a few things for the great outdoors. Items like golf clubs,…
Can cough medicine cause a positive alcohol test?
It’s winter and often that means every second person (and their dog) has a cough, cold or flu. It’s also the time of year when sales of cough medicines soar.…
Psychological stress: The hidden factor driving workplace substance use
Psychological stress is becoming one of the most influential factors in workplace impairment. While drugs and alcohol often receive the most attention, impairment usually begins much earlier — with stress,…
FIFO risks in WA highlight the need for workplace drug and alcohol testing
Let’s face it, everything in Western Australia is big. It’s not only the largest state or territory in Australia, but also so massive that if it were an independent nation,…
New heavy vehicle laws in place: What fit for duty means for your transport business
As the clock ticked over to 1 August 2026, an important change came into effect that now impacts every transport business across Australia. What has changed, and what does it…