News

Drug and Alcohol Use Continues, Despite Coronavirus Epidemic

03 July, 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus continues to threaten the health and well-being of people around the world. In Australia, the virus has infected more than 8,000 people and killed over 100 since it broke out in January. This caused major disruptions to the economy in the form of limited manpower and slower production rates.

But the coronavirus epidemic may also be impacting Australians in another way. With the public health crisis, it’s easy to forget the ongoing drug and alcohol problem in the country. The issue is still there, and it’s still putting people’s lives in danger.

Public Warning against GHB Abuse in Melbourne

02 July, 2020

Melbourne police continue its crackdown on GHB abuse in the city, seizing $550,000 worth of drugs in recent raids.

Local authorities found large amounts of GHB in homes in Rowville, Hallam, and Seaford in April. They also arrested four individuals, who were all charged with trafficking the drug in large commercial quantities. The seizure of the drugs in three prominent Melbourne suburbs is a cause for concern for the community.

What GHB is and how can it affect your health and well-being? Our Chief Toxicologist Dr Phil Tynan explains.

Are Drug Driving Laws in Australia Unfair?

26 June, 2020

With the rise in illicit drug use, federal and state governments adopted drug driving laws to help keep impaired drivers off the road. The reasoning was that some drugs may inhibit people’s ability to make sound decisions while driving. But not everyone thinks that the legislation is actually doing its job.

New South Wales magistrate David Heilpern recently criticised current drug driving laws for being ‘grossly unfair’. Mr Heilpern stated that the laws don’t necessarily prevent impaired drivers from hitting the road. He said there isn’t enough evidence to prove that drug driving laws are working, unlike other similar legislation.

But is Mr Heilpern right? Are drug driving laws really ineffective at curbing impaired driving? Our Chief Toxicologist Dr Phil Tynan doesn’t think so.

SW Labs granted full NATA Accreditation for COVID-19 testing

21 May, 2020

The question many of our clients have been asking is “does Safework Laboratories have the scope to test for COVID-19”? Over the past few weeks, our team in Western Australia have been working around the clock constructing a new laboratory, hiring new scientists, and applying for a brand-new NATA accreditation.

We are excited to announce that in this short time, NATA has granted SW Labs with a full accreditation enabling us to test for COVID-19. Testing has since initiated in Western Australia with much success.

Drug use in Australia during COVID-19

15 May, 2020

The COVID-19 restrictions are impacting the lives of many Australians, including those engaged in illicit drug use.

With the government limiting the public’s movement, it’s a lot harder to buy drugs these days.

So what does this mean for drug abuse in the workplace? Can we really expect it to go down?

General Drug Awareness and Reasonable Suspicion Training now available online

07 May, 2020

It goes without saying that regular drug awareness training is must for businesses to deliver guidance and instill values among their employees. Taking the current environment into consideration, Safework Laboratories is excited to announce that General Awareness and Reasonable Suspicion Training sessions can now be held online.

Our live sessions provides an interactive forum where students can ask questions and gain valuable insights into the effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Kylie Kieseker, SWL’s National Training Manager, hosts these events.

FAQ: Drug Testing at Work During COVID-19 Pandemic

26 March, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be one of the biggest public health challenges in recent history. The highly infectious disease has already spread to more than 190 countries and territories, infecting nearly half a million people and killing tens of thousands in its first three months.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked individuals and organisations alike to follow necessary precautions to help stop the further spread of the coronavirus.

SafeWork Laboratories is answering the call for preventive measures against COVID-19. We have taken steps to keep both our workers and clients safe from the dreaded disease. Learn more about SWL’s coronavirus strategies in our FAQ.

Workplace Drug Testing During COVID-19 Crisis

24 March, 2020

SafeWork Laboratories has rigorous safety procedures in place to protect employees and clients from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. In line with this, SWL has taken several measures to bolster our preparedness.