Alcohol & Drug testing
What is it?
Workplace drug testing is a urine or saliva test to detect if a drug has been used within a certain timeframe.
Breath testing measures the amount of alcohol in the blood by testing exhaled air.
What is included?
Both instant drug screening and laboratory testing is in accordance with AS/NZ Standard 4308:2008 and oral fluid drug testing AS/NZS 4760:2019 standard.
Instant drug test
Performed on site providing a negative or not-negative result.
Laboratory drug testing
A sample is sent off-site and can take up to 3 days to render results. Laboratory testing can be done for confirmatory results following a not-negative instant drug test or in replacement of for more comprehensive analysis. We recommend all not-negatives from an instant drug test should be sent for laboratory testing in accordance with the AS/NZ standard.
Urine drug testing
Includes testing for:
- Amphetamine type substances including methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabinoids
- Cocaine
- Opiates
Oral fluid drug testing
Includes testing for:
- Amphetamine type substances
- Cannabinoids
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
Alcohol testing
Breath alcohol testing completed on site often in conjunction with a drug test. If alcohol is detected and above the company policy level it is deemed a failed test. No blood samples are sent to laboratory for analysis.
Who is it for?
Drug and alcohol testing can be done by any employer. Industries that typically do drug and alcohol screening are:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Motoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Businesses who conduct drug and alcohol testing should have a drug and alcohol policy in
place according to Worksafe’s position statement. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 PCBU’s are required to identify all risks within their business including physical and
psychological risks, including impairment due to fatigue and drug and alcohol use.
Businesses in areas such as construction, petroleum industry, manufacturing and others with
safety sensitive roles, it is common practice to have a policy in place to create guidelines for
employees.
Drug and alcohol testing can be completed at your worksite and requires a private office with
a private toilet nearby. It is important to provide the individual with as much privacy as possible as the individual has to produce a urine sample, with the urine collector standing
outside the open toilet door.
For instant drug testing and breath alcohol testing the results are available after completion. Any drug testing requiring a confirmation test by the ESR laboratory takes between 2 to 4 working days.