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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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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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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