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Workplace Safety And Your Company’s Reputation

Workplace Safety And Your Company’s Reputation Recent reports show that substance abuse in the United States is rising. As a result, some employers consider ending their drug testing programs, and others weigh the benefits and drawbacks of keeping marijuana testing in...

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Methamphetamine contaminated homes – a health risk?

Methamphetamine contaminated homes - a health risk? Methamphetamine or ‘ice’ is manufactured in illegal laboratories by ‘backyard chemists’, using different recipes based on the chemical ingredients available.Stories about ‘backyard’ methamphetamine labs regularly...

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High Alert Trend Report: G-Type Substances

High Alert Trend Report: G-Type Substances

A recent report highlights rising use of G-type substances in New Zealand, with higher doses and increased harm. Professionals are urged to review harm reduction advice and note that this confidential report is for internal professional use only.

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Revision of AS/NZS 4308:2008 update

Revision of AS/NZS 4308:2008 update Technical Committee 039 has been assembled under the Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand charter, to review Standard AS/NZS 4308-2008, Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantification of drugs of...

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Workplace Alcohol Testing During COVID-19

Workplace Alcohol Testing During COVID-19 Workplace Alcohol Testing During COVID-19COVID-19 has had enormous impact on many businesses right across Australia, and in this series we will be looking at some of the many changes and new risks that have dramatically...

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Third Party Testing for Peace of Mind

Third Party Testing for Peace of Mind

As medicinal and recreational cannabis use rises in Australia and New Zealand, healthcare professionals need to engage in informed discussions with patients about its health implications.

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Impact of Work From Home on Substance Use

Impact of Work From Home on Substance Use

The rise of working from home during COVID-19 has increased risks of substance use affecting work performance and safety. Testing remains essential to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, whether on-site or remote.

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International Forum for Drug & Alcohol Testing

Workplace drug and alcohol testing is the practice of testing employees, contractors and visitors for the presence of drugs and alcohol applying cutoff concentrations detailed in the relevant Australian/New Zealand technical Standards and workplace policy and procedure.

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Importance of developing a policy

Drug and alcohol use can be a significant risk factor in the workplace, affecting the safety, productivity, and well-being of employees, contractors and visitors . Therefore, it is essential for companies to implement a drug and alcohol policy and procedure that promotes a safe and healthy work environment.

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Managing Medicinal Cannabis in the Workplace

Managing Medicinal Cannabis in the Workplace

International use of prescribed medicinal cannabis is rising. Workplaces must balance legal compliance with safety, considering THC’s effects and testing, while managing disclosure, risk assessment, and appropriate policy frameworks.

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Methamphetamine contaminated homes

Methamphetamine contaminated homes

Methamphetamine or ‘ice’ is manufactured in illegal laboratories by ‘backyard chemists’, using different recipes based on the chemical ingredients available. Stories about ‘backyard’ methamphetamine labs regularly appear...

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How can I help? Advice for family and friends

How can I help? Advice for family and friends

Knowing how to support someone experiencing issues with alcohol or other drugs can be overwhelming. Where do you go to get help? What resources are out there to support you? Talking to someone you trust is a great place to start....

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Workplace safety

One of the primary goals for any company, despite its size, location, or industry sector, is to provide a safe workplace. Companies prioritize safety because they care about their workforce and want to foster a healthy environment...

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Safety of oral fluid drug tests

Even as the novel coronavirus pandemic has dramatically impacted the workplace, many employers continue to promote drug-free workplace programs, especially when relied on for essential services. Quest Diagnostics is on the front lines connecting people....

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Alcohol use

An 18-wheeler truck carrying a full load weighs approximately 80,000 pounds, or about the equivalent of 7 mature male African elephants. While on the interstate, these trucks can travel at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour....

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Marijuana use and the workplace.

Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows there are approximately 192 million past-year users of marijuana worldwide. The next closest number is 58 million opioid users, easily placing marijuana as the world’s favorite drug...

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Proposed guidelines for hair drug testing

On September 10, 2020, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS (Health and Human Services Department) proposed scientific and technical guidelines for the inclusion of hair specimens in its ....

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