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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
At-home drug test offers workers more autonomy
A growing drug problem in Australian workplaces is prompting a shift in how businesses manage safety and wellbeing, with a new push for discreet, at-home drug testing aimed at preventing accidents before they happen. And the broader trend is worrying. According to a recent United Nations report, Australians and New Zealanders are among the world's highest per-capita users of cocaine and ecstasy, with cannabis use also well above the global average. While many users are occasional, the UN warns of growing trafficking networks and drug availability across the region - raising concerns about how those substances flow into everyday settings such as the workplace. With one in nine Australian workers admitting to being under the influence of illicit drugs while on the job, the risks to safety, productivity and mental health are mounting. In high-risk sectors such as transport, construction and hospitality, even a momentary lapse in judgment can have deadly consequences. "The risks are real in terms of safety, productivity and wellbeing - they are all on the line," said Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology, which is promoting a new range of portable, non-invasive self-testing kits. Instead of relying solely on workplace drug screenings after an incident has already occurred, the initiative encourages employees to test themselves voluntarily - at home, in private - before heading into work. "The whole concept is about self-regulation and personal responsibility," Mr Salihi told AAP. "It gives people a private way to check themselves before a shift, after a weekend, or during recovery. No pressure, no judgment … just a tool to help them stay in control and do the right thing before it becomes a problem." The tests work much the same as COVID-19 kits: simple saliva or urine samples return results within minutes, indicating whether substances including cannabis, cocaine or methamphetamines are present. Mr Salihi said the purpose was prevention, not surveillance. It was not about judging people for what they did in their personal life - it was about making sure they turned up to work clean and safe, he said. Drug use among workers is not just common but often tied to deeper struggles. "For many people, it's not about partying or coping, as such. People turn to drugs to manage the stress, exhaustion and emotional pressure," Mr Salihi said. "It's often a mental health issue, to be honest. The drug use is just a symptom." He said self-testing offered a crucial moment for early intervention before things spiralled. While some critics might argue self-testing reduces visibility for employers, Mr Salihi sees it differently. "Self-testing actually empowers people … and when it's part of a broader program with clear policies, education and support, it opens the door to more honest conversation, not less," he said. Drug-related absenteeism and safety incidents are costing Australian businesses more than $5 billion a year. In industries such as trucking, where stimulant use is not uncommon, the margin for error is slim. A small mistake behind the wheel could spell disaster, Salihi said. "That's what we're trying to help eliminate." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A growing drug problem in Australian workplaces is prompting a shift in how businesses manage safety and wellbeing, with a new push for discreet, at-home drug testing aimed at preventing accidents before they happen. And the broader trend is worrying. According to a recent United Nations report, Australians and New Zealanders are among the world's highest per-capita users of cocaine and ecstasy, with cannabis use also well above the global average. While many users are occasional, the UN warns of growing trafficking networks and drug availability across the region - raising concerns about how those substances flow into everyday settings such as the workplace. With one in nine Australian workers admitting to being under the influence of illicit drugs while on the job, the risks to safety, productivity and mental health are mounting. In high-risk sectors such as transport, construction and hospitality, even a momentary lapse in judgment can have deadly consequences. "The risks are real in terms of safety, productivity and wellbeing - they are all on the line," said Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology, which is promoting a new range of portable, non-invasive self-testing kits. Instead of relying solely on workplace drug screenings after an incident has already occurred, the initiative encourages employees to test themselves voluntarily - at home, in private - before heading into work. "The whole concept is about self-regulation and personal responsibility," Mr Salihi told AAP. "It gives people a private way to check themselves before a shift, after a weekend, or during recovery. No pressure, no judgment … just a tool to help them stay in control and do the right thing before it becomes a problem." The tests work much the same as COVID-19 kits: simple saliva or urine samples return results within minutes, indicating whether substances including cannabis, cocaine or methamphetamines are present. Mr Salihi said the purpose was prevention, not surveillance. It was not about judging people for what they did in their personal life - it was about making sure they turned up to work clean and safe, he said. Drug use among workers is not just common but often tied to deeper struggles. "For many people, it's not about partying or coping, as such. People turn to drugs to manage the stress, exhaustion and emotional pressure," Mr Salihi said. "It's often a mental health issue, to be honest. The drug use is just a symptom." He said self-testing offered a crucial moment for early intervention before things spiralled. While some critics might argue self-testing reduces visibility for employers, Mr Salihi sees it differently. "Self-testing actually empowers people … and when it's part of a broader program with clear policies, education and support, it opens the door to more honest conversation, not less," he said. Drug-related absenteeism and safety incidents are costing Australian businesses more than $5 billion a year. In industries such as trucking, where stimulant use is not uncommon, the margin for error is slim. A small mistake behind the wheel could spell disaster, Salihi said. "That's what we're trying to help eliminate." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A growing drug problem in Australian workplaces is prompting a shift in how businesses manage safety and wellbeing, with a new push for discreet, at-home drug testing aimed at preventing accidents before they happen. And the broader trend is worrying. According to a recent United Nations report, Australians and New Zealanders are among the world's highest per-capita users of cocaine and ecstasy, with cannabis use also well above the global average. While many users are occasional, the UN warns of growing trafficking networks and drug availability across the region - raising concerns about how those substances flow into everyday settings such as the workplace. With one in nine Australian workers admitting to being under the influence of illicit drugs while on the job, the risks to safety, productivity and mental health are mounting. In high-risk sectors such as transport, construction and hospitality, even a momentary lapse in judgment can have deadly consequences. "The risks are real in terms of safety, productivity and wellbeing - they are all on the line," said Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology, which is promoting a new range of portable, non-invasive self-testing kits. Instead of relying solely on workplace drug screenings after an incident has already occurred, the initiative encourages employees to test themselves voluntarily - at home, in private - before heading into work. "The whole concept is about self-regulation and personal responsibility," Mr Salihi told AAP. "It gives people a private way to check themselves before a shift, after a weekend, or during recovery. No pressure, no judgment … just a tool to help them stay in control and do the right thing before it becomes a problem." The tests work much the same as COVID-19 kits: simple saliva or urine samples return results within minutes, indicating whether substances including cannabis, cocaine or methamphetamines are present. Mr Salihi said the purpose was prevention, not surveillance. It was not about judging people for what they did in their personal life - it was about making sure they turned up to work clean and safe, he said. Drug use among workers is not just common but often tied to deeper struggles. "For many people, it's not about partying or coping, as such. People turn to drugs to manage the stress, exhaustion and emotional pressure," Mr Salihi said. "It's often a mental health issue, to be honest. The drug use is just a symptom." He said self-testing offered a crucial moment for early intervention before things spiralled. While some critics might argue self-testing reduces visibility for employers, Mr Salihi sees it differently. "Self-testing actually empowers people … and when it's part of a broader program with clear policies, education and support, it opens the door to more honest conversation, not less," he said. Drug-related absenteeism and safety incidents are costing Australian businesses more than $5 billion a year. In industries such as trucking, where stimulant use is not uncommon, the margin for error is slim. A small mistake behind the wheel could spell disaster, Salihi said. "That's what we're trying to help eliminate." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 A growing drug problem in Australian workplaces is prompting a shift in how businesses manage safety and wellbeing, with a new push for discreet, at-home drug testing aimed at preventing accidents before they happen. And the broader trend is worrying. According to a recent United Nations report, Australians and New Zealanders are among the world's highest per-capita users of cocaine and ecstasy, with cannabis use also well above the global average. While many users are occasional, the UN warns of growing trafficking networks and drug availability across the region - raising concerns about how those substances flow into everyday settings such as the workplace. With one in nine Australian workers admitting to being under the influence of illicit drugs while on the job, the risks to safety, productivity and mental health are mounting. In high-risk sectors such as transport, construction and hospitality, even a momentary lapse in judgment can have deadly consequences. "The risks are real in terms of safety, productivity and wellbeing - they are all on the line," said Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology, which is promoting a new range of portable, non-invasive self-testing kits. Instead of relying solely on workplace drug screenings after an incident has already occurred, the initiative encourages employees to test themselves voluntarily - at home, in private - before heading into work. "The whole concept is about self-regulation and personal responsibility," Mr Salihi told AAP. "It gives people a private way to check themselves before a shift, after a weekend, or during recovery. No pressure, no judgment … just a tool to help them stay in control and do the right thing before it becomes a problem." The tests work much the same as COVID-19 kits: simple saliva or urine samples return results within minutes, indicating whether substances including cannabis, cocaine or methamphetamines are present. Mr Salihi said the purpose was prevention, not surveillance. It was not about judging people for what they did in their personal life - it was about making sure they turned up to work clean and safe, he said. Drug use among workers is not just common but often tied to deeper struggles. "For many people, it's not about partying or coping, as such. People turn to drugs to manage the stress, exhaustion and emotional pressure," Mr Salihi said. "It's often a mental health issue, to be honest. The drug use is just a symptom." He said self-testing offered a crucial moment for early intervention before things spiralled. While some critics might argue self-testing reduces visibility for employers, Mr Salihi sees it differently. "Self-testing actually empowers people … and when it's part of a broader program with clear policies, education and support, it opens the door to more honest conversation, not less," he said. Drug-related absenteeism and safety incidents are costing Australian businesses more than $5 billion a year. In industries such as trucking, where stimulant use is not uncommon, the margin for error is slim. A small mistake behind the wheel could spell disaster, Salihi said. "That's what we're trying to help eliminate." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
At-home drug test offers workers more autonomy
A growing drug problem in Australian workplaces is prompting a shift in how businesses manage safety and wellbeing, with a new push for discreet, at-home drug testing aimed at preventing accidents before they happen. And the broader trend is worrying. According to a recent United Nations report, Australians and New Zealanders are among the world's highest per-capita users of cocaine and ecstasy, with cannabis use also well above the global average. While many users are occasional, the UN warns of growing trafficking networks and drug availability across the region - raising concerns about how those substances flow into everyday settings such as the workplace. With one in nine Australian workers admitting to being under the influence of illicit drugs while on the job, the risks to safety, productivity and mental health are mounting. In high-risk sectors such as transport, construction and hospitality, even a momentary lapse in judgment can have deadly consequences. "The risks are real in terms of safety, productivity and wellbeing - they are all on the line," said Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology, which is promoting a new range of portable, non-invasive self-testing kits. Instead of relying solely on workplace drug screenings after an incident has already occurred, the initiative encourages employees to test themselves voluntarily - at home, in private - before heading into work. "The whole concept is about self-regulation and personal responsibility," Mr Salihi told AAP. "It gives people a private way to check themselves before a shift, after a weekend, or during recovery. No pressure, no judgment … just a tool to help them stay in control and do the right thing before it becomes a problem." The tests work much the same as COVID-19 kits: simple saliva or urine samples return results within minutes, indicating whether substances including cannabis, cocaine or methamphetamines are present. Mr Salihi said the purpose was prevention, not surveillance. It was not about judging people for what they did in their personal life - it was about making sure they turned up to work clean and safe, he said. Drug use among workers is not just common but often tied to deeper struggles. "For many people, it's not about partying or coping, as such. People turn to drugs to manage the stress, exhaustion and emotional pressure," Mr Salihi said. "It's often a mental health issue, to be honest. The drug use is just a symptom." He said self-testing offered a crucial moment for early intervention before things spiralled. While some critics might argue self-testing reduces visibility for employers, Mr Salihi sees it differently. "Self-testing actually empowers people … and when it's part of a broader program with clear policies, education and support, it opens the door to more honest conversation, not less," he said. Drug-related absenteeism and safety incidents are costing Australian businesses more than $5 billion a year. In industries such as trucking, where stimulant use is not uncommon, the margin for error is slim. A small mistake behind the wheel could spell disaster, Salihi said. "That's what we're trying to help eliminate." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
Kimberley residents urged to act on cancer symptoms amid worrying new data
Kimberley residents are being urged not to ignore potential cancer symptoms, with new data revealing almost half of regional West Australians would wait to see if symptoms disappeared on their own before seeking medical help. Cancer Council WA has relaunched its Give Yourself the Best Chance campaign under its Find Cancer Early program after survey results showed 16 per cent of respondents would simply ignore symptoms entirely. Kimberley regional education officer Michelle Wilson said while early detection messages were starting to resonate, there was still a long way to go. 'The Give Yourself the Best Chance campaign urges regional West Australians over 40 to give themselves the best chance of being around longer for their family and friends by seeing their doctor early if they notice any unusual changes in their body, like blood in their poo or wee, or coughing up blood,' Ms Wilson said. 'These latest survey results back up what previous research in WA has shown — people living in regional areas tend to seek help later than those in the city.' Ms Wilson said this could be due to lower awareness of cancer symptoms, a more laid-back attitude, or travel barriers that discouraged people from seeking help, all of which could lead to later stage cancer diagnoses. 'We know that people in regional Australia have lower five-year survival rates for all cancers combined when compared to metropolitan Australians,' she said. 'Putting off seeing your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker could cost you a good outcome.' The Cancer Council has urged people in the Kimberley region older than 40 to act on any unusual changes in their bodies and not to delay seeing a medical professional. 'If you notice blood in your poo or wee, or if you've coughed up blood, don't wait. Getting it checked doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, but it's better to be safe,' Ms Wilson said. The organisation also reminded residents that national screening programs such as bowel cancer screening kits, cervical screening, and mammograms were only for people without symptoms, and waiting for screening instead of seeking immediate medical advice could lead to dangerous delays.
