Didn't know where to put this, so pls move to the right place if need be -
Workplace drug alert
WORKPLACE drug testers are reporting an increase in positive tests for methamphetamines among workers.
Cannabis and alcohol still lead the list of substances most likely to be found in Tasmanian workers.
However, the drug testers say that they are finding a growing number of local workers testing positive for methamphetamines.
Integrity Sampling Tasmania managing director Colin Thomas said that, despite popular opinion, cannabis was the most difficult drug to pick up due to a move towards saliva testing as opposed to urine testing.
"Cannabis is the most difficult to pick up with saliva testing," Mr Thomas said.
"It was the easiest to pick up with urine testing.
"Approximately 2 per cent of random tests confirm positive results for alcohol, cannabis or other drugs."
Mr Thomas, whose company does drug testing for some of the state's largest private and public employers, said it was not just industries such as mining being tested.
"We all need to manage the risk," he said.
Integrity Sampling has about 50 offices around the country and, in Tasmania, implements drug and alcohol testing for a wide range of companies including government business enterprises.
Mr Thomas said companies used a number of different testing regimes including random testing, testing after accidents and causal testing if a manager or supervisor believed a staff member was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Unions Tasmania secretary Kevin Harkins yesterday said there were some concerns around drug testing.
"We don't oppose drug testing if it is in a positive way in the best interests of the employees first and foremost," he said. "But we don't agree with some workplace testing.
"We don't support urine testing. Saliva testing is more appropriate."
Mr Harkins said causal testing could present problems, with some bosses targeting particular workers.
http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/10/03/363058_tasmania-news.html