Meeting new challenges facing workplace drug testing
COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on many businesses across Australia. In this series, we examine the many changes and new risks that have dramatically altered the landscape for workplace drug testing.
Many experts are concerned with the potential for increased consumption and/or changes in consumption patterns for drug use in Australian society.
“Amanda Curran, vice-president of the Australian Association of Psychologists and a registered psychologist, says factors such as lack of stimulation, increased stress particularly around finances and potential illness are all driving increased rates of substance use.”
We have already discussed the recent increased consumption of alcohol as a risk factor for Australian workplaces. Despite many workplaces scaling back or pausing their drug testing programs, the reality is that the risk of illicit drug use – or misuse of prescription medication – has possibly increased considerably since the COVID-19 crisis began.
“We’re seeing a lot of calls from young mums who are overwhelmed with home schooling. So there’s a lot of anxiety and fear around and we know people self-medicate to deal with that.”
Increased Prescription Abuse & Meth Use as Drug Import Supply Declines
This increase and possible change in drug use patterns in Australia could manifest in many ways. Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy (MDMA), usually sourced from overseas, are likely to be in short supply, meaning users may shift to drugs where supply is more plentiful, such as methamphetamine (Ice). Workplace risk of methamphetamine is much greater than MDMA, especially for heavy vehicle users.
Prescription drugs, such as opiates (codeine, morphine) or benzodiazepines (sleeping tablets or tranquilisers), are readily available in many households and have seen a large surge in dispensing in Australia, combined with a sharp drop-off in face-to-face GP visits where discussions on safe use typically occur. Inappropriate or excessive use of these drugs poses considerable risks to safety-sensitive workplaces.
Even before the COVID-19 crisis, methamphetamine consumption and misuse of prescription drugs were common findings in random testing, so an increase in this baseline may represent a considerable risk for many businesses.
Addressing Drug Usage in the “New Normal”
As restrictions ease and businesses begin to return to the ‘normal’ (or ‘new normal’) way of operating, it may be an ideal time for organisations to review their fitness-for-work policies and implementation.
Your WDTA member will be a useful source of knowledge and expertise in this process. Given the possibility of increased risk due to the factors above, workplace drug testing may be more important than ever.
Please contact us for further information or feedback.
The Guardian article (accessed 14/5/20)
RACGP report (accessed 14/5/20)