Report 25 of the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program provides a clear, objective snapshot of confronting drug use in Australia. Particularly when assessing your duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers (employees, contractors, volunteers) and others at the workplace.
Drug use is not declining. It’s increasing, and in some cases reaching record levels – including drug groups not currently included in Australian and New Zealand Standards for oral fluid and urine screening. The wastewater program monitors a wide range of substances, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, MDA, heroin, cannabis, oxycodone, fentanyl, nicotine, alcohol, and ketamine.
Can Workplaces Test for all of Substances in the Wastewater Report?
Additional testing for specific substances is permitted under the Standard – provided a number of important steps are followed. Before expanding your program, your procedures must clearly define the drugs to be screened, along with the relevant confirmatory cut-off levels. This ensures compliance and supports a robust, defensible process.
It’s also essential that all affected individuals are fully informed. Employees must read, understand, and acknowledge any updated procedures that include additional testing. This step is critical for transparency, consent, and ensuring clear expectations across the organisation.
Need Support
Speak with our team about expanding your procedure to reflect emerging drug trends, and about specialist drug testing services we have available to reduce drug risk within your organisation.