WHY IS THIS DRUG TEST REQUIRED?

This drug test forms part of checking that employees are fit for their particular work. It confirms that they are healthy to work and are free of any illigal or non-prescibed drugs, that may affect their ability to perform their work tasks correctly and safely.

WHY IS THIS DRUG TEST IMPORTANT?

This drug test is important because it performs a 5 panel urine drug test of an employee. This allows an employer to know if the employee is suspect of using any illigal or non-prescribed drugs and is suitable to conduct the work that is required of them. This is important because certain work tasks may require certain physical capabilities in order for the work to be conducted safely (both for themselves and for those around them). The drug test allows these basic capabilities to be determined, allowing an employer to make an informed decision about whether the employee is capable or not and so whether they will work safely or not.

In certain cases, such as in construction work, this drug test and its associated Annexure 3 form, are an important requirement to confirm the suitability of construction employees working on-site.

In cases where fitness or suitability for purpose issues may occur, this drug test may be important as evidence to show the workplace suitability of employees for work, where legal concerns or financial claims may be involved. 

FULL DRUG TEST FREQUENCY

This drug test needs to be completed according to the following frequency as per company drug policy:

Entry Medical - Initially, as an entry drug test, when an employee either joins the company or prior to when they are due to start the type of work that requires the drug test.

Monitoring - A drug test should then be conducted on an annual basis to confirm the individual is still healthy and fit for work and has not been affected in any way by the work being performed.

Exit Medical - Finally, an exit drug test must be completed when the employee either completes the type of work they are doing or when they leave the company.

VALIDITY

This drug test needs to be completed by either an occupational medical practitioner (OMP) or an occupational health nurse (OHN). A proper report must be issued, confirming the test results of the individual and this report must be kept on record and carefully controlled.

Access to these drug test details is strictly limited because they are confidential and personal in nature. Any access by non-authorised persons will need the signed consent of the individual to whom the report applies to.

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls, this drug test forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to ensure that employees are not taking illigal or non-subscription drugs that will effect the physical work requirements that may be expected of them. This drug test records the details of an employee's physical appropriateness and suitability and provides evidence of control measure checks for the safe use of persons in the workplace.

DRUG TEST CONTENTS

This 5 panel urine drug test includes the following;

Cocaine (COC)

Heroin (OPI)

DAGGA (THC)

Amphetamine (AMP)

Methamphetamine (MET)

Medical History

OTHER FULL MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION

In certain work applications, further documentation maybe required and may form part of the drug test: