Latest news with #TouchBiotechnology
The Advertiser
06-07-2025
- Health
- 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
05-07-2025
- Health
- 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
Sky News AU
01-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News AU
'We need solutions': Staggering data shows drug use surging in Aussie workplaces, costing businesses billions
Workplace drug use is on the rise and costing Australian businesses billions, according to recent research. Substance use is growing in Australian workplaces, with one in nine people admitting to being under the influence of illicit drugs in the past 12 months. According to Touch Biotechnology, overall substance use is higher among employees at 19 per cent than the general population at 16 per cent. 'This makes the workplace a critical, yet often overlooked, setting for early detection and support - especially in high-risk industries like construction, transport, finance, and hospitality,' the company said in a media release. Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology said drug use in a work setting often reflected what was happening in workers' private lives. 'People don't show up to work wanting to make unsafe choices - more often, they're dealing with pressure, stress, or personal issues that aren't always visible,' Mr Salihi said. 'While every individual is responsible for their actions, workplaces play a role in creating environments where people feel supported to do the right thing early.' Substance use is costing workplaces billions each year through absenteeism, safety incidents, poor decision-making, and rising mental health issues, according to Drug and Alcohol Research Connections. Data from Touch Biotechnology revealed mental health plays a pivotal role in drug use and job performance. Illicit drug use is almost three times higher among workers with high psychological distress at 32 per cent, compared to those with low distress, 12.7 per cent. Stigma within the workplace often means people keep to themselves and refuse to seek help in fear of losing their job, Touch Biotechnology said. As a result, the company aims to support early and discrete intervention, offering portable, non-invasive saliva and urine test kits for onsite or at-home use. Mr Salihi said tool kits offer employees the opportunity to take a moment to pause, check in, and reclaim control without fear or embarrassment. 'It's not about catching people out. It's about giving them the chance to act before a bad day becomes a bigger problem,' he said. The tools detect up to six substances within minutes, with a detection window up to 72-hours for saliva and 30-days for urine. They are designed for privacy while supporting health and safety, without sacrificing dignity or trust in the workplace. 'Our drug screening tools are made for real workplaces - on site, in offices, or out in the field,' Mr Salihi added. 'Unlike traditional testing that disrupts daily operations, self-testing is quick, discreet, and empowers early action. 'When testing is embedded in a culture of care, that's when you see real change.'
