Urine Test deemeed reasonable by Fair Work Commision
Article ID: LWS-1477
From Workplace Express: The FWC has upheld the dismissal of an “intransigent” sales employee who declined on “medical” grounds to comply with her employer’s lawful and reasonable direction to supply a urine sample for a random drug and alcohol test. The worker said she was happy to take saliva drug…
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Global Freight Costs Rise
Article ID: LWS-1462
An article published in the weekend Australian Financial Review, 29-30 May 2021 mentions the increasing cost of freight from South East Asia for 20 foot containers: Traditionally, we’ve paid $US1500 ($1937) for a box – a 20-foot container – out of various suppliers based in south-east Asia, but that climbed…
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Company director sentenced to record prison term in WA
Article ID: LWS-1458
Thursday, 03 June, 2021 Western Australia has recorded its first imprisonment under new workplace health and safety laws. Mark Thomas Withers, the director of a shed building company, is the first person to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment under the new laws, over the 2020 death of a…
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DEA Launches Project Wave Breaker to Stop Flood of Deadly Fentanyl
Article ID: LWS-1449
From the May 12, 2021 issue of DATIA e-news: WASHINGTON – Today the Drug Enforcement Administration announced a new initiative, Project Wave Breaker, to disrupt the flow of deadly fentanyl into the United States. Project Wave Breaker will direct interdiction, enforcement, and outreach efforts to high-impact areas to disrupt the…
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Recent Decision – Unreliable saliva test
Article ID: LWS-1446
From a recent article on workplaceexpress.com.au: Coles dismissed the driver after a December 1 oral swap produced an unconfirmed methamphetamine reading. A second test provided a positive test for cannabinoids but not for methamphetamine. … He said “the first one came up for methamphetamine and then when they’ve done. ….
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COVID-19 RESPONSE
Article ID: LWS-1259
LaneWorkSafe Ptd Ltd are an essential service and as such are currently still open and trading as normal. During this time however, we ask for your patience and allow 1 – 2 business days for the processing of orders, calibrations and other technical and support enquiries to be actioned. Please…
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Cannabis impairs driving skills long after the high is gone
Article ID: LWS-1251
CNN reports in an article titled Weed impairs driving skills long after the high is gone that heavy users of recreational cannabis are poor drivers. Speeding, running red lights, crossing into oncoming lanes, and even hitting pedestrians. These are some of the dangerous driving behaviours that a new study in…
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Ice use is rife in Newcastle’s building and construction industry
Article ID: LWS-1208
An article in the Newcastle Herald reports that the use of Ice is “rife” particularly in the building and construction industry. A Newcastle addiction doctor, Dr David Outridge has treated a growing number of trade and construction workers using crystal methamphetamine via his work in addiction medicine. “If 10 guys…
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FWC holds urine drug testing policy not on “use it or lose it” basis
Article ID: LWS-1200
A Workplace Express article reports that Fair Work Commission has green-lighted company’s plan to re-introduce random urine drug testing following a decade-long hiatus, holding that its policy did not operate on a “use it or lose it” basis. The Australian Workers Union (AWU) disputed the ability of Rocla Pty ltd…
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Drug helpline gets 20 calls a month from WA bosses concerned over employee drug use
Article ID: LWS-1190
A recent article published in PerthNOW, reported a Drug Helpline for WA managers and business owners is receiving approximately 20 calls a month, most of which were centered around the concern of worker’s use of methamphetamine. According to Deidre Willmott, CCI chief executive, the bulk of calls came from businesses…
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Accurate One Step Cup Video Tutorial
Article ID: LWS-997
LaneWorkSafe are pleased to announce that our new tutorial video for the Accurate One Step Urine Cup is now available. View the Accurate One Step Cup tutorial video here. The six minute video tutorial covers key features, including an in-built temperate strip, an adulteration system, and the unique evacuation process…
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500% rise in drug detection at BMA’s Goonyella Riverside mine
Article ID: LWS-950
An article posted to Shift Miner on the 6th April 2016 reports a five-fold increase in drug detection at the Goonyella Riverside mine after implementing a new drug testing regime. The article says: According to BMA’s Asset President Ragg Udd, the new testing regime has discovered concerning numbers of “Ice”…
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Codeine related deaths doubled between 2000 and 2009
Article ID: LWS-931
According to new research by the NDARC (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre), codeine related deaths increased from 3.5 to 8.7 per million people between 2000 and 2009. NDARC senior researcher Amanda Roxburgh said “While we can’t look at trends over time beyond 2009, our sample of 1,437 codeine-related deaths…
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Almost 12% of Victorian drivers return positive result in random drug and alcohol testing
Article ID: LWS-927
An article that appeared in The Age has shown that one in nine Victorian drivers returned a non-negative result for illicit drugs over the October long weekend. 218 drivers out of 1,900 were found to have drugs in their system. Assistant Commissioners Doug Fryer of Victoria Police was quoted as…
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Master Builders Association welcomes drug and alcohol testing
Article ID: LWS-924
Master Builders Australia welcomes Building Code 2013, which commenced on 16th October 2015. The code requires contractors in the building and construction industry to have a comprehensive policy for managing on-site drug and alcohol issues. It also requires drug and alcohol testing on all Commonwealth funded projects. Fair Work Building…
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Drug and Alcohol Testing under Building Code 2013
Article ID: LWS-935
Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) have published a fact sheet on the changes to Building Code 2013. The changes took effect on 16th October 2015. Building contractors covered by the Building Code now need to make sure their management of drugs and alcohol in the workplace is reflected in…
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Does the legal profession have a drug problem?
Article ID: LWS-907
A recent article in Lawyer’s Weekly asks the question “Does the profession have a drug problem?”. In an interview with Dr Fisher, the head of the Department of Psychiatry at St Vincent’s Clinic and Private Hospital, he said “I don’t think enough has been done”. “Just as [doctors] can kill…
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CFMEU calls for increased funding for rehab programs
Article ID: LWS-902
A recent article on the SafetyCulture website states that the CFMEU has called for the Federal Government to increase funding for support programs intended for employees with substance abuse problems. CFMEU Construction National Secretary Dave Noonan welcomed a bill requiring drug and alcohol testing policies on construction sites. However he…
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Hospitality and blue-collar workers most likely to misuse prescription drugs
Article ID: LWS-897
A study by Curtin University in WA has found that hospitality workers are at a high risk of abusing over-the-counter and prescription medication. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare conducts an Australia-wide survey every three years. The survey measures the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco in Australia. The…
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Urine drug testing to continue at Port Kembla
Article ID: LWS-894
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) upheld an earlier decision that employees at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal will continue to undergo random saliva and urine drug tests, reports Australian Mining. The dual method system was contested by the CFMEU Construction and General Division in April 2015, with the FWC finding…
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Use of ice in mining on the rise
Article ID: LWS-844
Australian Mining reported last week that the use of ice (crystal methamphetamine) is on the rise. 38% of workers surveyed admitted to taking the drug. The Australian Industry Group submitted the survey to the Federal inquiry into ice. Australian Mining reports “A submission to the inquiry by the Australian Industry…
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FWC supports combined urine and saliva testing
Article ID: LWS-835
The Fair Work Commission found in favour of an employer seeking to urine test its employees for drug use. The decision centred on a dispute between the Port Kembla Coal Terminal and the CFMEU. The CFMEU maintains that urine testing represents an unreasonable intrusion into employee’s privacy. The FWC found…
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CFMEU calls for blanket drug and alcohol testing
Article ID: LWS-833
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has announced plans for mandatory drug and alcohol tests on building sites. This announcement reverses the union’s previous stance on testing in Victoria, where CFMEU leaders opposed the former state government’s compulsory testing code. The new policy supports saliva testing on a construction…
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LaneWorkSafe discusses Synthetic Cannabinoid Testing with The Australian Pipeliner magazine
Article ID: LWS-787
LaneWorkSafe shares their extensive experience and knowledge of synthetic cannabinoid drug screening in the October 2014 issue of The Australian Pipeliner. Workplace drug and alcohol testing has seen a marked increase across Australia in the last twelve months, with the growth largely driven by safety and productivity risks. The article…
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UNODC World Drug Report 2014
Article ID: LWS-779
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released the World Drug Report 2014 last month. The report states that in Australia “annual prevalence of opioid use … is estimated to be more than four times the global average”, showing a high prevalence of misuse of prescription opioids. While supply of heroin decreased, prescription opioid use – in…
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One in five manual labourers high at work
Article ID: LWS-775
A survey conducted by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) in August found that 21% of respondents consumed cannabis within four hours of going to work, despite more than half reporting that their workplace performs regular drug testing. The survey covered workers from mining, construction, transport and defence. It also showed only 29% of workers at sites that perform screening believe…
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IMPORTANT NOTICE regarding use of non verified on site urine drug testing devices
Article ID: LWS-768
All workplaces using on site urine drug testing devices should ensure that their device has been issued with a compliance certificate. This certificate must be issued by a laboratory accredited to Australian Standard/TEC 17025 or Australian Standard 4633 and the relevant standard, Australian Standard/New Zealand 4308 or equivalent. The result of the verification to…
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Record increase in crystal methamphetamine arrests
Article ID: LWS-694
Australian Crime Commission figures showed a greater than 300 per cent increase of methamphetamine seized in 2012-2013. An ABC News Australia article quotes acting ACC chief Paul Jevtovic as saying “Crystal methamphetamine is emerging as a pandemic akin to the crack issue in the United States”. View the video on…
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Australia’s drug trade at an all-time high
Article ID: LWS-697
The Illicit Drug Data Report 2012-13, produced by the Australian Crime Commission, was published this month. It states that $2.7 billion worth of illicit drugs were seized last year, there were 90,000 seizures of illicit drugs and a record 100,000 arrests were made. Cannabis continues to dominate the Australian illicit drug market, with the number of…
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Oxycodone: Australians’ increasing use of ‘hillbilly heroin’
Article ID: LWS-704
An April 29 article from an ABC News report covered how prescriptions for oxycodone has shown a 152 per cent increase; a trend that now sees “the nation’s medical community very concerned”. The Director of Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre, Professor Jake Najman identifies “there is a…
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Eliminate drug dangers on-site
Article ID: LWS-686
Do you ever ask the question “What if any of my workers are under the influence of illegal drugs, and they are still passing the drug tests?” The Australian Pipeliner magazine talks to LaneWorkSafe about the Split Specimen Cup® for the April 2014 issue. Read the full article here. (PDF, 58.7kB)
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NEW Products: Single Panel Test Kits now available!
Article ID: LWS-667
Now available: Single Panel One Step tests for Burprenorphine, Methadone, Oxycodone – find out more today
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Up in Smoke – Synthetic marijuana used in many Australian workplaces
Article ID: LWS-609
New testing methods are cutting some of the drug dangers on site. Kronic has become the drug of choice for many and is used in Australian workplaces, possibly due to the existing uncertainty surrounding the legal status. “This article looks at the use of Kronic in Australia and the detection…
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The importance of staying hydrated – is your team drinking enough water?
Article ID: LWS-605
Short terms effects of dehydration include reduced physical capacity and reduced mental alertness in the short term. Persistent dehydration is associated with kidney stones and bladder cancer. “This pilot study investigated the extent of dehydration in six logging crews by measuring the specific gravity of urine. Thirty one loggers provided…
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Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits Involving Synthetic Cannabinoids
Article ID: LWS-602
“As synthetic cannabinoids have become more available, the number of (hospital emergency department) visits involving synthetic cannabinoids has increased… Because it is difficult to regulate these products that are easily available online, synthetic cannabinoids may be more accessible to young people than marijuana.” From The DAWN Report, 4th December 2012, SAMSHA. Read the full article here…
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Increased emergency department visits due to abuse of benzodiazepines and narcotic pain relievers
Article ID: LWS-371
The USA has increased emergency department visits over past 10 years due to abuse of benzodiazepines and narcotic pain relievers. “Substance abuse treatment admissions for addiction involving combined use of benzodiazepine and narcotic pain relievers rose a total of 569.7 percent, to 33,701, from 2000 to 2010, according to a…
Read MoreAfghan opium cultivation is increasing, U.N. reports
Article ID: LWS-510
“Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan rose substantially in 2012 in an ‘alarming’ trend despite a major opium eradication effort by Afghan governors, United Nations officials said this week as they released the organisation’s 2012 opium survey, which was undertaken with the Afghan Ministry of Counternarcotics” By Alissa J Rubin, Asia…
Read MoreThe problem of pain: Relief without opioids?
Article ID: LWS-508
“In the last two years there have been global moves to make pain management a high priority within health care policy and practice, driven by both human rights and economic concerns. Professor Michael Cousins, Chair of Australia’s National Pain Strategy (NPS) states, ‘Pain is Australia’s third most costly health problem…
Read MoreXanax – More Addictive Than Heroin
Article ID: LWS-506
The dangers of benzodiazepines, from the Sunday Night TV program on Channel 7. Run time 14:18. View the segment here.
Read MoreFair Work Australia Decision
Article ID: LWS-504
Endeavour Energy vs Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia; Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union; and the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia This dispute concerns the introduction of alcohol and other drugs policy. Highlights of the decision include: The…
Read MoreUrine Alcohol Testing – A Treacherous Path for Employers?
Article ID: LWS-501
Urine alcohol testing can be a treacherous path to embark upon when used for employment purposes. A number of factors come into play. Is the donor in the consumption phase or the elimination phase? Is the detected alcohol a result of a diabetic or medical condition? Are there environmental or…
Read MoreHWE Mining v CFMEU Decision
Article ID: LWS-494
Interpretation of agreement re drug screening. Dispute – whether employer bound by a drug policy embodying an industrial settlement by which it agreed in relation to random on-site drug screening to move from urine testing to saliva testing when an Australian Standard for saliva testing was published – neither the…
Read MoreCannabinoids in oral fluid following passive exposure to marijuana smoke
Article ID: LWS-497
The concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its main metabolite 11-nor-D9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH) as well as cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD) were measured in oral fluid following realistic exposure to marijuana in a Dutch coffee-shop. THC-COOH was not detected in any specimens from passively exposed individuals. Therefore it is recommended that…
Read MoreTesting Times – OHS Professional Magazine
Article ID: LWS-491
Craig Donaldson Drug and alcohol testing in the workplace is increasingly common. However, there are a number of important considerations to take into account with the development and implementation of any drug and alcohol policy. Download: SIA article 03.2011 (PDF).
Read MoreHolcim v TWU Decision December 2010
Article ID: LWS-488
Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales 23rd December 2010 Holcim (Australia) Pty Limited v Transport Worker’s Union of New South Wales [2010] NSWIRComm 1068 Download article: Holcim vs TWU Decision Dec 2010 (PDF).
Read MoreJump in drug abuse among workers
Article ID: LWS-482
by Brad Watts 24th March 2008 Download article: Daily Telegraph 24.03.08 (PDF)
Read MoreThe Three Billion Dollar Question for Australian Business
Article ID: LWS-479
by David Collins, Helen Lapsley and Robert Mark March 2007 Illicit drugs are a major problem in Australian society, with their cost impacts being felt by individuals, families, businesses and government. The business sector bears a large proportion of these costs. Recent 2003 estimates show the total cost to Australia…
Read MoreCannabis doubles chance of psychosis
Article ID: LWS-477
From The Sydney Morning Herald Bellinda Kontominas Medical Reporter PEOPLE who smoke cannabis regularly more than double their risk of developing psychotic illness later in life, according to research that calls for increased awareness of the dangers of the drug. Researchers found that among all cannabis users, including social and habitual…
Read MoreAustralia in legal drug abuse crisis
Article ID: LWS-475
from http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/australia-in-legal-drug-abuse-crisis/2007/07/21/1184560110521.html : NEARLY half a million Australians are abusing prescription drugs, a leading drug specialist claims. Professor John Saunders of the University of Queensland said that while illicit street drugs grabbed headlines, the misuse of prescription medicine was the “real drug crisis gripping Australia”. “There are 75,000 regular users of heroin…
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