Industry News & Updates

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) functions as Australia’s primary accreditation organisation. NATA’s mission is to protect national and public interests by verifying that accredited organisations meet applicable Australian and international standards, thereby demonstrating their capability to deliver consistent, reliable results and information to government bodies, industries, and the broader community.

In the world of manufacturing, there exists a strategy called “planned obsolescence.” This practice involves deliberately designing products with a limited lifespan, compelling consumers to make repeated purchases over time. Why would a manufacturer produce a tire that lasts forever when they could sell multiple replacements throughout a vehicle’s lifetime?

Currently just over the two year mark of the three-year transition period regarding the latest workplace urine drug testing standard AS/NZS 4308:2023 from AS/NZS 4308:2008. These updated standards introduce significant modifications that will affect your Workplace Drug Testing Program if you conduct urine testing – are you prepared?

The Alcohol & Drug Foundation’s research, reports that approximately 5% of Australian workers have confessed to working while under the influence of alcohol during their careers, and 2% have used illicit substances at work. Workplace accidents and injuries are attributed to alcohol use in 11% of cases, with alcohol-related absenteeism costing businesses approximately $2 billion annually.

Workplace safety standards in Australia have evolved considerably over time; yet, workplace incidents remain a significant concern. Safe Work Australia’s statistics of the past ten years, reveals workplace accidents have claimed over 1,880 lives through fatal injuries, while serious compensation claims exceeding one week of workplace absence have been filed by more than 1.1 million workers.

How are you minimising your potential personal liability for WHS legislation? With strict Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) legislation and severe penalties, including up to life imprisonment for industrial manslaughter offences, the potential implications for both individuals and organisations involved in serious workplace incidents are significant.

Under the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL), rail transport operators must ensure they effectively manage health-related risks affecting rail safety workers. The National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers serves as a comprehensive guide to help operators fulfill these regulatory requirements.

Cross-reactivity describes when an antibody interacts with a compound different from its intended antigen. In drug screening, cross-reactivity happens when an immunoassay test’s antibody binds to an antigen different from the drug it’s meant to detect. Antibodies bind to substances known as antigens in a specific manner, similar to how matching puzzle pieces fit together or a key fitting into a lock.

Companies are increasingly implementing drug and alcohol testing as understanding grows about their impact on workplace safety. While maintaining a secure work environment is a shared responsibility, understanding and following the new protocols can seem unclear, especially regarding the resources and regulatory evidence available.

The National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) has developed a report focused on identifying key factors contributing to road accidents and proposing potential measures to minimise fatalities and injuries. Ongoing support for law enforcement, infrastructure development and community awareness programs remains essential for enhancing road safety for all users.

Our Service Team is dedicated to maintaining your device to the highest standard for safety and reliability in alcohol and drug testing. Our expert service technicians work tirelessly to ensure that every device we service operates with precision and accuracy. From routine maintenance through to complex repairs, we are committed to supporting our clients with world class service, innovative solutions and technical support.

We have developed a resilient global supply chain with industry leading Australian manufacturing facilities & comprehensive and secure material resource planning. Our purpose built facilities include research laboratories, on-site calibration facilities and warehouse and production for our Australian designed, developed & produced products.