Latest news with #GlennDobson
Otago Daily Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Concerns grow over workplace drug use
Amphetamine and opioid use is a major hazard and Dunedin is not immune to the risks. The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) says findings in its 2024 fourth quarter workplace drug and alcohol report indicate a rise in amphetamine-type substances and opioids compared with the same period in 2023. The most prevalent substances detected nationally in TDDA testing included THC (Cannabis) at 59.1%, down from 63.8% in Q4 2023. Amphetamine-type substances rose to 24.4% from 18.8% and opioids rose to 12.1% from 11.9%. Drug Detection Agency chief executive Glenn Dobson said working under the influence of amphetamines was a major workplace hazard. "These substances impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect co-ordination, increasing the risk of serious accidents. "In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident." Cannabis use in New Zealand has always been high but the rise in opioids was worrying because it suggested the country may be following a global trend. "America has a huge problem with opioid abuse, and they have a lot of deaths." "The opioid abuse brings the safety issues into the workplace as well." Several factors could be driving the increase, including overprescribing painkillers such as Tramadol. "Tramadol is obviously a synthetic opioid that is a very good painkiller, but also affects people's abilities to react in certain situations. "So if you are operating machinery, if you are driving trucks, vehicles, it could affect your ability to do that in a safe manner." Another contributor to the rise was the commercialisation of drugs. "Drugs are very commodified these days, and they follow trends and fashions. "We have seen synthetic opioids like fentanyl, for instance, in the States being put in other drugs to either give the drug user a different high or to give them an addiction so that they keep going back to that drug dealer." A further driver is the growing influence of global gangs. "We know that New Zealand is a popular market for global gangs because we pay more for drugs in New Zealand." Massey University's 2024 New Zealand Drug Trends Survey found one in four frequent drug users reported having used a pharmaceutical non-medically in the past six months. Non-medical use of ADHD medications is highest in Wellington, Otago and Auckland. The survey links ADHD medication misuse to student populations and party drug culture. "Dunedin has a large student population and the geography and population in any area is going to dictate some of the drug taking trends in that area." Companies seeking a drug-safe workplace needed to adopt a robust, current drug and alcohol policy backed with training so everyone understood its purpose. Frank conversations needed to be fostered to focus on getting workers home safely and fair testing programmes needed to run so risks identified could be managed openly and justly, Mr Dobson said.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Methamphetamine Presence Surges In Workplace Drug Tests
Press Release – The Drug Detection Agency New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand's leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections has jumped since the start of the year: January: 13.7% February: 18.2% March: 24.9% Data is taken from TDDA's Imperans reporting platform. Samples were taken between 1 Jan and 31 March. They are representative of meth detections versus other test results, and encompass a broad set of industries across the nation. 'Our data is showing us that more people are turning to meth when it comes to the range of drugs available, such as cannabis,' says Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA. 'The surge is consistent with rising wastewater statistics and confirms that meth supply remains readily available nationwide. When access to supply is this easy, increased consumption often follows. This has serious implications for workplace safety and productivity.' With meth now accounting for over a fifth of drug-related workplace testing results, and nearly 25% in March alone, employers and regulators alike may need to reassess risk exposure and response. The top 10 locations showing high instances of methamphetamine detection are: · Central North – 30.6% · Taranaki – 27.9% · Auckland East – 25.8% · Taupo/Rotorua – 25% · North Harbour – 23.6% · Auckland West – 23.2% · Northland – 21.7% · Canterbury – 20% · Southland – 13.7% · Otago – 10.5% 'Our frontline data tells a confronting story, meth use is more than a big-city issue. We're seeing higher proportions of meth detections in smaller regions like the Central North, The Lakes and Taranaki. This is about safety as well as businesses and communities under pressure. Employers must stay alert, have clear workplace substance policies, and be ready to act on suspicions compliantly and quickly,' says Dobson. If you suspect meth use at work: 1. Follow your drug and alcohol policy Initiate the appropriate procedures as outlined in your policy, which may include a reasonable cause drug test. 2. Observe and record Note physical signs like sweating, agitation, and rapid speech. Avoid confrontation and document your observations. 3. If required, remove them from safety-sensitive tasks immediately Meth can cause impulsive, erratic, and unpredictable behaviour. Prioritise safety and take them off tools, machinery, or driving duties without delay. Methodology Testing data from 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 is aggregated from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout New Zealand. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. All amphetamine type substances (ATS) are accounted for in testing results. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans platform, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across New Zealand workplaces and industries. About The Drug Detection Agency The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA's full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Methamphetamine Presence Surges In Workplace Drug Tests
Press Release – The Drug Detection Agency New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealands leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections … New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand's leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections has jumped since the start of the year: January: 13.7% February: 18.2% March: 24.9% Data is taken from TDDA's Imperans reporting platform. Samples were taken between 1 Jan and 31 March. They are representative of meth detections versus other test results, and encompass a broad set of industries across the nation. 'Our data is showing us that more people are turning to meth when it comes to the range of drugs available, such as cannabis,' says Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA. 'The surge is consistent with rising wastewater statistics and confirms that meth supply remains readily available nationwide. When access to supply is this easy, increased consumption often follows. This has serious implications for workplace safety and productivity.' With meth now accounting for over a fifth of drug-related workplace testing results, and nearly 25% in March alone, employers and regulators alike may need to reassess risk exposure and response. The top 10 locations showing high instances of methamphetamine detection are: · Central North – 30.6% · Taranaki – 27.9% · Auckland East – 25.8% · Taupo/Rotorua – 25% · North Harbour – 23.6% · Auckland West – 23.2% · Northland – 21.7% · Canterbury – 20% · Southland – 13.7% · Otago – 10.5% 'Our frontline data tells a confronting story, meth use is more than a big-city issue. We're seeing higher proportions of meth detections in smaller regions like the Central North, The Lakes and Taranaki. This is about safety as well as businesses and communities under pressure. Employers must stay alert, have clear workplace substance policies, and be ready to act on suspicions compliantly and quickly,' says Dobson. If you suspect meth use at work: 1. Follow your drug and alcohol policy Initiate the appropriate procedures as outlined in your policy, which may include a reasonable cause drug test. 2. Observe and record Note physical signs like sweating, agitation, and rapid speech. Avoid confrontation and document your observations. 3. If required, remove them from safety-sensitive tasks immediately Meth can cause impulsive, erratic, and unpredictable behaviour. Prioritise safety and take them off tools, machinery, or driving duties without delay. Methodology Testing data from 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 is aggregated from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout New Zealand. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. All amphetamine type substances (ATS) are accounted for in testing results. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans platform, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across New Zealand workplaces and industries. About The Drug Detection Agency The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA's full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Methamphetamine Presence Surges In Workplace Drug Tests
Press Release – The Drug Detection Agency New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealands leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections … New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand's leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections has jumped since the start of the year: January: 13.7% February: 18.2% March: 24.9% Data is taken from TDDA's Imperans reporting platform. Samples were taken between 1 Jan and 31 March. They are representative of meth detections versus other test results, and encompass a broad set of industries across the nation. 'Our data is showing us that more people are turning to meth when it comes to the range of drugs available, such as cannabis,' says Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA. 'The surge is consistent with rising wastewater statistics and confirms that meth supply remains readily available nationwide. When access to supply is this easy, increased consumption often follows. This has serious implications for workplace safety and productivity.' With meth now accounting for over a fifth of drug-related workplace testing results, and nearly 25% in March alone, employers and regulators alike may need to reassess risk exposure and response. The top 10 locations showing high instances of methamphetamine detection are: · Central North – 30.6% · Taranaki – 27.9% · Auckland East – 25.8% · Taupo/Rotorua – 25% · North Harbour – 23.6% · Auckland West – 23.2% · Northland – 21.7% · Canterbury – 20% · Southland – 13.7% · Otago – 10.5% 'Our frontline data tells a confronting story, meth use is more than a big-city issue. We're seeing higher proportions of meth detections in smaller regions like the Central North, The Lakes and Taranaki. This is about safety as well as businesses and communities under pressure. Employers must stay alert, have clear workplace substance policies, and be ready to act on suspicions compliantly and quickly,' says Dobson. If you suspect meth use at work: 1. Follow your drug and alcohol policy Initiate the appropriate procedures as outlined in your policy, which may include a reasonable cause drug test. 2. Observe and record Note physical signs like sweating, agitation, and rapid speech. Avoid confrontation and document your observations. 3. If required, remove them from safety-sensitive tasks immediately Meth can cause impulsive, erratic, and unpredictable behaviour. Prioritise safety and take them off tools, machinery, or driving duties without delay. Methodology Testing data from 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 is aggregated from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout New Zealand. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. All amphetamine type substances (ATS) are accounted for in testing results. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans platform, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across New Zealand workplaces and industries. About The Drug Detection Agency The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA's full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Methamphetamine Presence Surges In Workplace Drug Tests
New national data from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand's leading workplace drug tester, shows methamphetamine (meth) is growing and making up a disproportionate share of non-negative workplace drug test results. The proportion of meth detections has jumped since the start of the year: January: 13.7% February: 18.2% March: 24.9% Data is taken from TDDA's Imperans reporting platform. Samples were taken between 1 Jan and 31 March. They are representative of meth detections versus other test results, and encompass a broad set of industries across the nation. 'Our data is showing us that more people are turning to meth when it comes to the range of drugs available, such as cannabis,' says Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA. 'The surge is consistent with rising wastewater statistics and confirms that meth supply remains readily available nationwide. When access to supply is this easy, increased consumption often follows. This has serious implications for workplace safety and productivity.' With meth now accounting for over a fifth of drug-related workplace testing results, and nearly 25% in March alone, employers and regulators alike may need to reassess risk exposure and response. The top 10 locations showing high instances of methamphetamine detection are: · Central North – 30.6% · Taranaki – 27.9% · Auckland East – 25.8% · Taupo/Rotorua – 25% · North Harbour – 23.6% · Auckland West – 23.2% · Northland – 21.7% · Canterbury – 20% · Southland – 13.7% · Otago – 10.5% 'Our frontline data tells a confronting story, meth use is more than a big-city issue. We're seeing higher proportions of meth detections in smaller regions like the Central North, The Lakes and Taranaki. This is about safety as well as businesses and communities under pressure. Employers must stay alert, have clear workplace substance policies, and be ready to act on suspicions compliantly and quickly,' says Dobson. If you suspect meth use at work: 1. Follow your drug and alcohol policy Initiate the appropriate procedures as outlined in your policy, which may include a reasonable cause drug test. 2. Observe and record Note physical signs like sweating, agitation, and rapid speech. Avoid confrontation and document your observations. 3. If required, remove them from safety-sensitive tasks immediately Meth can cause impulsive, erratic, and unpredictable behaviour. Prioritise safety and take them off tools, machinery, or driving duties without delay. Methodology Testing data from 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025 is aggregated from 27 clinic and 60 mobile clinic operations throughout New Zealand. Data from preemployment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. All amphetamine type substances (ATS) are accounted for in testing results. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into the TDDA Imperans platform, anonymised, and represents a snapshot of drug trends across New Zealand workplaces and industries. About The Drug Detection Agency The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia, and processing more than 250,000 tests annually. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA's full accreditation details. Learn more about TDDA at
