Fake Urine Detection
Safework Laboratories has responded to the increase in synthetic or fake urine detection in our laboratories.
At the moment it is a very small percentage of our overall laboratory workload, but the numbers are rising.
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Hair testing for illicit drugs in Australia
Hair testing for illicit drugs is incorrectly referred to as “hair follicle testing”. As a matter of fact, only the hair shaft goes undergoes testing and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing for drugs is rapidly becoming more frequent in Australia, primarily in:
- Family law court or disputed child custody situations
- Return to work or proof of abstinence programs (a requirement by a regulatory body or a court diversion program)
However, the limitations and variations between different types of testing are often poorly understood by the end user.
This guide aims to correct some myths and provide a greater understanding of the finer detail of hair testing.
Read MoreSingapore Airlines Pilot Fails Alcohol Breath Test
An intoxicated pilot is not someone you want flying your aircraft, period.
You’d be surprised to know that even the most reputable airlines with the most stringent of rules and regulations also deal with alcohol use among staff.
As reported by ABC Network Australia, a Singapore Airlines flight was barred from leaving Melbourne airport.
It was due to their pilot failing the random alcohol breath test.
A drunk pilot is a terrifying prospect for a passenger. Much more alarming for a company who has the pilot on staff.
Read MoreThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Workplace Drug Testing
The practice of workplace drug testing has been in existence for many years now, but it remains a controversial issue for many businesses.
For an employer it is an obvious fact they want to know about their staff members. On the other hand, employees often claim that workplace drug testing is a violation of their right to privacy.
Using an employer’s point of view, here are the most significant pros and cons of drug testing in the workplace.
Read MoreUnmasking Alcoholics Anonymous: Is the 12-Step Program really effective?
For several decades, people unquestioningly believed that Alcoholics Anonymous was the solution to a drinking problem. Doctors and therapists have no qualms recommending AA to alcoholic patients, and an overwhelming majority of addiction treatment programs used the 12-step program.
But recent studies are challenging the long-held beliefs on the efficacy of AA.
If you suspect that your employees have alcohol abuse problems, you may thinking Alcoholics Anonymous for employees could be the answer. But the research into this notoriously secretive organisation have yielded some surprising results. (more…)
Read MoreFive Of The Biggest Drug Scandals Of 2016
Illegal drugs are becoming a huge bane to modern society. According to the website Drug Info nearly 15 percent of Australians are using illicit drugs.
Despite the fact that most drug users in Australia are in the age range of 21-27, there is an increase among the older age group who are using illicit drugs.
Worryingly, many teens as young as 14 years old are trying these illicit drugs out of curiosity or peer pressure.
The rise of performance enhancing drugs is also another problem that the world faces today. These unnatural performance enhancers are tainting the spirit of competition and fair-play in many sporting disciplines.
As the year ends, let us look back at the biggest illegal drug scandals of 2016.
Read MoreShould companies serve alcoholic drinks at corporate events?
Companies serve alcoholic drinks at workplace events like holiday parties because they know a little buzz can make for happier employees.
But considering the country’s growing problem with alcohol addiction and young people’s “drinking to get drunk” mindset, should companies start rethinking this practice? (more…)
Read MoreCall for cultural sensitivity when drug testing Indigenous workers
Australian drug testing companies unite to call for cultural respect in drug testing Indigenous workers.
They say that strict enforcement and punitive attitudes towards drug use management may derail efforts to improve their health and way of living. (more…)
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