Navigating Emerging Substance Risks in the Workplace

Managing Drug & Alcohol Risks in the Workplace is Becoming Increasingly Complex

Emerging substances and subtle behavioural signs are making it harder for WHS professionals to protect people and performance. Synthetic drugs, rising prescription use, and their impacts on fatigue and psychosocial wellbeing are among the most pressing challenges. Staying ahead of these risks is no longer optional – it’s a duty of care and a legal requirement.

Synthetic cannabinoids are part of a broader group known as new and emerging novel psychoactive substances (NPS)¹ – and are increasingly challenging WHS professionals. These substances are chemically engineered to mimic the effects of traditional drugs like Cannabis, MDMA, or LSD, but their unpredictable nature makes them harder to detect and more dangerous in workplace settings. ²

Understanding Synthetic Drugs and NPS

Beyond the substances themselves, the workplace context plays a critical role in risk exposure. Industries such as construction, hospitality, mining, arts and recreation services report the highest prevalence of illicit drug use. Workers in blue-collar trades are particularly affected, with elevated rates of both substance use and long-term risky alcohol consumption.⁴

These patterns are not random – they’re often linked to workplace conditions. Long hours, shift work, high physical demands, and psychological stress contribute to burnout, which in turn increases vulnerability to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. This is especially evident in sectors like mining, hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing, where demanding schedules and limited support structures can exacerbate risk.⁴

For WHS professionals, this means substance risk management must go beyond detection – it must address the underlying drivers of use. Testing, targeted interventions, education and awareness, and a drug and alcohol management program are essential to support safer, healthier workplaces.

A Changing Risk Environment

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre reveals a sharp rise in the use of synthetic cannabinoids, ketamine, and other NPS. These substances often mimic traditional drugs but carry unpredictable effects, making them harder to detect and manage in workplace settings. ³

WHS Duties in Managing Substance Risks

Under WHS legislation, eliminating or minimising risks so far as is reasonably practicable includes those arising from substance-related:

• • Identifying emerging substance risks through dynamic risk assessments.
  • Implementing robust drug and alcohol policies and procedures that reflect current trends and legal obligations.
  • Consulting with workers and tailoring controls to diverse roles and environments.
  • Training staff to recognise signs of that someone might not be in a fit state to perform their role safely and productively and respond appropriately.

In high-risk sectors, such as transport and Healthcare, updated Codes of Practice now explicitly link fatigue and substance use to WHS obligations. ⁵

Synthetic Drugs – Detection & Response

Synthetic drugs pose unique challenges for workplace safety. Their chemical composition changes frequently to evade regulation, making them harder to detect and often more dangerous – causing severe psychological and physiological effects even in otherwise healthy individuals. ³

To manage these risks effectively, WHS professionals must work closely with trusted testing providers to ensure their drug and alcohol testing program evolves to detect potential threats. Alcolizer Technology’s onsite testing service is available Australia wide, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. With operational bases in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, collectors travel nationally including regional and remote locations to perform planned and post incident, Reasonable Cause drug and alcohol testing. Onsite testing includes alcohol, oral fluid and urine with NATA-accredited laboratory confirmation for accuracy and compliance.

Implementing targeted testing, building a drug and alcohol testing program that reduces harm and improves workplace outcomes are areas our National OST Technical Specialist, Steve Korkoneas can support you with.

Building a Proactive Safety Culture

Managing emerging substance risks requires more than a drug and alcohol policy – it demands culture change. WHS professionals play a pivotal role in:

• • Promoting psychological safety to reduce substance use linked to stress and burnout.
  • Embedding awareness into onboarding, toolbox talks, and leadership training.
  • Leveraging data and technology to monitor trends and refine interventions.

As highlighted in Safe Work Australia’s WHS Strategy, WHS must evolve to meet the challenges of a changing workforce, new technologies, and complex health risks.

Partnering with Trusted Experts

Alcolizer Technology supports WHS professionals with tailored drug and alcohol testing programs, policy and procedure development, and training solutions that minimise disruption and maximise confidence. Whether managing a remote site, a healthcare team, or a national workforce, we help you stay ahead of emerging risks – so you can protect people and performance.

Ready to strengthen your substance risk strategy? Partner with Alcolizer Technology to build a tailored program that protects your people, meets your WHS obligations, and keeps you ahead of emerging risks. Get in touch with our team to start building a safer, more confident workplace.