Research released in Business SA’s The Ice Age – The Drug Epidemic Hitting the SA Workforce discussion paper shows a staggering 5,000 people in safety sensitive industries are turning up to work under the influence of methamphetamines, on any given day in SA.

The SafeWork Laboratories research, which was included in the discussion paper, points to an alarming increase in drug use across South Australia.

Business SA is responding to those concerns, including a rise in the number of calls to our Business Advice Hotline, by releasing the discussion paper to highlight the need for all organisations to create or enact workplace drug policies.

Policies provide a framework for all business operators, particularly when facing a worker who is affected by methamphetamines. Given the signs may not be obvious, we have included information on what to look out for, along with discussing the steps to take – whether it be through drug testing or education programs.

To read The Ice Age please click here

All employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe worksite for their employees, and The Ice Age is aimed at helping businesses deal with the scourge.

Does your business maintain a drug-safe workplace? Addressing alcohol and other drug misuse in the workplace should be a priority for managers and all employees to ensure safety and productivity.

Business SA is running a new course in conjunction with Medvet, Maintaining a Drug Safe Workplace, to help you gain the confidence you need to make reasonable cause determinations.

To find out more about Maintaining a Drug Safe Workplace, click here

Australian Anti Ice Campaign director Andre’a Simmons, who is a recovered ice addict, lost everything to the devastating drug. She lost her family, her business, her house and investment property and her car.

Ice use can impact on everyone – and any workplace – and Andre’a is urging all organisations to consider training and make sure they have their policies in place.

To hear Andre’a’s story, click here: