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Drug & Alcohol Testing - Fetch Labour Hire Approved Testing

Author: Daniel Musto

Published date: 2019/12

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Although we meet all the candidates we supply to the industry, thoroughly interview and reference them, we are not naive to the fact that both drugs and alcohol are an issue in today’s society. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation recently provided statistics stating that alcohol and drugs cost Australian workplaces an estimated $6 billion per year in lost productivity.

As a key part of the industry, we want to ensure we are doing everything possible as a Labour Hire provider to tackle this issue head on, so we aren’t affected.

 

Impacts

The use of alcohol and other drugs can impact on workplaces in a number of ways, affecting relationships, safety and productivity.

 

- Alcohol and drugs cost Australian workplaces an estimated $6 billion per year in lost productivity.

- Recent research has estimated that 2.5 million days are lost annually due to drinking and drug use, at a cost of more than $680 million.

- 1 in 10 workers says they have been affected by a co-worker's use of alcohol. For example, a reduced ability to do their own job, involvement in an accident or close-call, and having to work extra hours to cover for a co-worker.

 

If you are hungover or coming down from drugs at work, it can be just as bad as being intoxicated. You are less effective and productive; this can impact both your work and that of co-workers.

 

But it’s only a hangover…

 

Alcohol

- If you’ve had a big night, you may still be drunk the next day; this can make it dangerous to be at work.

- Sobering up takes time. Hangover cures such as cold showers, doing exercise, strong coffee, or vomiting will not speed up the process. While these ‘cures’ may make you feel better, they won't change your blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

 

Drugs

It can take several days to come down from drugs like ecstasy, ice and amphetamines. This means that drug usage on the weekend can still impact your work.

 

Can medication affect my work?

There is always a level of risk when using any drug including prescription or over-the-counter medications. For instance, benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium®) and strong painkillers (e.g. codeine) can impact your work. This is particularly the case for drugs you haven’t taken before. As drug reactions vary from person to person, it’s important to understand the possible side effects and monitor whether you are fit for work.

Follow your doctor's advice when taking prescription drugs and discuss any side-effects and how this might impact on your work.

 

Labour Hire / Fetch responsibilities

Due to the serious risk drugs and alcohol pose to health and safety in the workplace Fetch have implemented a robust screening program supported by a strong company drug and alcohol policy and workplace education program.

 

As a team we’re committed to providing saliva testing covering up to 7 different types of drugs and alcohol:

- Random Tests upon registration

- Monthly on-site testing prior to works commencing

 

This is an additional service as part of our regular rates and is designed to not disrupt works. We’re also able to extend this service to our client’s permanent workforce in an additional to labour hire, however not standalone.

Is this something your current labour hire provider if offering? For more information please contact myself directly, or get in touch with one of our Labour Hire Consultants today.