How will a urine drug screening programme help you and your organisation? Drug testing in Australia is comparatively new and first originated in the Reagan era in the United States to combat drug and alcohol usage in the armed forces. From that point on, the procedure became woven into business and industrial practices as a safeguarding mechanism that could reduce the use of workplace drug and alcohol abuse.
Solutions and the Drug Screening Option
You can develop a really sound approach to drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace by using some of the following guidelines.
- Develop a screening program in consultation with union representatives and with OH&S representatives
- Clearly define these developed policies and procedure in writing
- Inform and educate all your employees on the dangers of drugs and alcohol at work
- Develop a screening program based on your workplace demographic Consider available options such a onsite screening or a DIY approach
- Speak with a reputable and trained specialist in the area of alcohol testing and drug testing about the best testing devices
- Develop a screening program based on discussion with all your employees
- Source and choose testing devices that suit your workplace
- Contact a reputable drug and alcohol screening supplier
- Develop a screening program based on the size of your workforce
- Inform all your employees about legislation and laws that cover their workplace
- For afflicted employees, refer them to such organisations as Lifeline or other online counselling assistance
Some union officials and members and privacy rights organisations see screening of drug and alcohol as a very clear invasion of privacy. These groups view screening programmes instigated by employers as an undermining mechanism that erodes the rights of workers and destroys mateship and the underlying unity of workers that is synonymous with the Eureka flag and the rugged world of Australian industry.
From another Angle
While the rights of workers need to be respected, one may do well to also consider the overall safety of the organisation and also the rights of an employer. As Australia moves towards a more unified system of OH&S, it is important to consider the duty of care that all parties must exhibit in making sure the workplace is safe.
Substance abuse can affect safety in terms of high risk behaviour, erosion of the quality of workplace tasks, as well as the issue of stealing and theft. [1]
Management and employers can help to secure the workplace environment by using a workplace onsite drug and alcohol screening programme. Mediscreen is able to deliver quality programmes that can meet your needs. This could be your lifeline or the lifeline for your employees.
Contact Mediscreen for more information. Telephone 1300 797040
