Cheating a workplace drug test is a mug's game says ADDA

WORKPLACE drug testing organisation, The Australian Drug Detection Agency (ADDA), knows there is a lot of misinformation about both the prevalence and real effects of drugs on work performance. Among the most misunderstood by employees is the capability to detect recent drug use.

 

From long experience, ADDA sees the problem as a workplace health and safety issue above all else. Now the organisation is becoming concerned about the health and performance effects of workers increasingly using elaborate, and some exotic chemical methods, to avoid drug use detection.

"We've seen just about every trick in the book for workers trying to cheat," ADDA Queensland managing director Calum Davie said. Part of ADDA's role, Mr Dvie said.

"Some try the so-called remedies on-line. Some local providers offer what they call ‘guaranteed' products that are said to provide a clean result.

"The reality is that much of the online advice is flawed and the ‘guaranteed' products, on ADDA's results alone, should be creating long lines at the refund counter," Mr Davie said.

Mr Davie said many workers were under the misapprehension that drugs can be detected by a urine test for months afterwards.

Mr Davie said cannabis can be detected up to 30 days after use but that applies only for heavy users (around five joints per day).

Most drugs - such as amphetamines, benzodiazepines, ecstasy and opiates - are generally only detectable between two and four days after use.

"Having said that, recent developments with hair testing can show a history of up to 90 days of drug use," Mr Davie said. "ADDA are currently experiencing a growing trend in employers choosing to use hair testing, especially during the pre-employment phase."

"Employees have to concentrate, and just can't afford to be at risk of being impaired by the effects of drug taking," Mr Davie said.

 

"People's livelihoods are at stake. If someone is not on their game, you're going to have a much higher chance of someone being killed or seriously injured in a workplace accident.

"And that's not including the down-time for that business from having to close the workplace down for an investigation.

"Trying to cheat at a drug test is not worth it. In the end, you're cheating your fellow employees who are entitled to work in a safe environment."

Mr Davie said ADDA Queensland is fully compliant National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited on-site testing provider, under the standard AS/NZS 4308:2008. Much of its work is now part of regular processes for major construction and mining companies.

ADDA is considered to be a leader in its field, Mr Davie said, providing specialised services for companies that conduct on-site workplace drug and alcohol testing, as well as pre-employment testing.

"At ADDA we work closely with our clients to not only help them develop drug and alcohol policies, but we also encourage companies to provide a supportive environment to help their employees who have a drug or alcohol problem," Mr Davie said.

ADDA is a 2013 Member of Queensland Leaders, the organisation helping to mentor and develop the next generation of leading companies headquartered in Queensland.

http://www.tadda.com.au/

Tel: 1300 4 DETECTION.

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