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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
a day ago
- West Australian
University of Western Australia Ocean Glider program launches 400th mission along Rottnest Continental shelf
Halfway between an underwater drone and a space rover, the University of Western Australia's 'ocean glider' has made some mind-bending discoveries in Australian oceanography. The ocean glider program is a 16-year collaboration between UWA and Integrated Marine Observing System and has reached a significant milestone hosted in Perth waters; the glider set off on its 400th mission. 'Reaching 400 missions is a testament to the dedication, vision of our team, the strength of our partnerships and the importance of sustained ocean observation,' said Professor Chari Pattiaratchi in a UWA media statement. The gliders made a huge discovery in 2020, uncovering an incredible network of underwater rivers that encircle the entire continent. 'This is the most significant discovery for coastal oceanography in recent decades, not only in Australia but globally,' Professor Pattiaratchi said at the time. Professor Pattiaratchi said usually satellites were used to track surface features such as river plumes, but because the water flow was below the surface it was undetected until ocean gliders were deployed. These underwater flows are found along over 10,000 kilometers of the Australian coastline and are formed by dense, salty water which flows off the continental shelf. Impressively, the gliders have spent 10,000 days in the water and traversed over 125,000km underwater. In the latest mission, gliders were launched along the Rottnest continental shelf and will focus on collecting data on seasonal upswelling, the Leeuwin Current and monitoring marine heatwaves. UWA Ocean Institute senior researcher Christine Hanson said the Leeuwin Current acts as the parent of lesser northward flowing counter-currents, the Capes Current and the Ningaloo Current. 'Seasonal upswelling is particularly important off Ningaloo, as this brings up cool water and high nutrients that support the reef,' Dr Hanson told the Fremantle Herald. However, recent monitoring of the Leeuwin Current discovered a 'warm water layer' covering Ningaloo Reef, leading Dr Hanson be be concerned the reef was in 'critical danger.'
