Safety Update

Safety Update: Oral Fluid drug Testing Technologies

Oral fluid drug testing technologies: The new standard for workplace testing in Canada?

Over 10% of the employed population in Canada uses illicit drugs. This results in productivity loss that costs employers on average $10,000 annually per employee using illicit drugs. A company with 1000 employees will on average lose a million dollars in productivity, directly off the bottom line. This loss in productivity not only comes from more safety incidents, but higher rates of theft, absenteeism, employee turn-over, benefit utilization and higher WCB rates. What is interesting is the fact that most industrial sectors have higher rates of illicit drug use than 10% and this productivity loss does not include the use of alcohol.

Canadian employers also have occupational, health and safety responsibilities to ensure that workers are "fit for duty" and to ensure the overall health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors and public affected by their work. This means proving diligence in minimizing or eliminating all potential risks, including those safety risks associated with unfit individuals on the job. At the same time, Canadian employers must adhere to the standards of human rights and privacy.

So how do employers balance their safety responsibilities with human right and privacy obligations in the Canadian workplace? Cutting-edge oral fluid drug testing technologies are enabling Canadian employers to better achieve this balance. Drug & alcohol testing is quickly becoming a necessity in today's workplace to manage those risks associated with unfit individuals on the job. Oral fluid testing technologies provide a more practical and workable approach for employers. The reality is oral fluid testing technologies will become the standard for workplace testing in Canada, as already established in other countries around the world.

Some believe that these technologies are still in their infancy and not yet proven. In actuality, oral fluid testing has been around for decades and is much more integral and comprehensive than commonly known or promoted. They are also currently in wide use throughout Canada. Ultimately, industry will drive further development and implementation as the benefits are better understood and realized. The benefits are simply too significant compared to traditional testing methods to ignore. Oral fluid testing technologies address the serious safety & risk management issues facing Canadian employers.

Integrated OH&S International, the leading Canadian safety management company specializing in oral fluid testing technologies, and an eCompliance strategic partner, will be sponsoring a series of Lunch & Learn seminars over the next few months throughout Western Canada. The learning objective of these seminars is to clarify the truths about oral fluid testing technologies: the context within workplace testing in Canada, the science, the advantages, the limitations, the common myths, and the broader impact immediately and in the future for the Canadian workplace.

Calgary, AB	Wed, Nov 19th, 2008	Hyatt Regency Calgary Downtown
Red Deer, AB	Thur, Dec 11th, 2008	Capri Hotel & Convention Centre
Saskatoon, SK	Tues, Jan. 13th, 2009	Hilton Garden Inn
Regina, SK	Thurs, Jan. 15th, 2009	Ramada Hotel & Convention Centre
Vancouver, BC	Wed, Jan. 21st, 2009	Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Edmonton, AB	Wed, Jan. 28th, 2009	The Westin Edmonton
Winnipeg, MB	Feb, 2009 (Date TBA)	Venue TBA

Please click here to download the registration form for the upcoming Lunch & Learn Seminar in Calgary. If you are interested in any of the other cities, please contact Integrated OH&S directly at: info@integratesafety.com

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