'New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use'
Detection of amphetamine-type substances in workplace drug tests saw a sharp increase last year, with employers urged to be vigilant in addressing substance use.
The Imperans Report from The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) revealed that 3.99% of the screens in the fourth quarter of 2024 indicated the presence of drugs.
The detection of amphetamine-type substances, including methamphetamine, reached 24.4%, up from 18.8% in the same quarter in 2023.
"New Zealand workplaces must remain vigilant in addressing substance use," said Glenn Dobson, CEO of TDDA, in a statement. "Working under the influence of amphetamines is also a major workplace hazard."
According to the CEO, these substances can impair vision, cause dizziness, and adversely affect coordination.
"In high-risk environments like construction, transport, and manufacturing, impairment can be the difference between a routine workday and a fatal incident," Dobson said.
But while the increase in amphetamine detections is a real issue, Dobson said the increase in opioid detections also concerns him.
The detection rate of opioids, including oxycodone, hit 12.1% in Q4 2024, up from 11.9% in Q4 2023, according to The Imperans report.
"Until now, New Zealand has largely avoided the opioid epidemic seen overseas, so any rise in detection rates is worth examination," Dobson said. "As a workplace risk, opioids are at the top. Legally prescribed or illegally procured, they can cause workplace accidents, long-term addiction and lead to the loss of life in more ways than one."
Overall, cannabis remained the most detected substance in TDDA testing, accounting for 59.1%, down from 63.8% in Q4 2023.
The shifting patterns in substance use require greater employer awareness and policy reinforcement, according to the report.
"Employers need to stay ahead of these trends, enforce policies consistently, and provide education to their workforce to prevent harm," Dobson said. "With the right measures in place, businesses can protect their employees and maintain a safe, productive environment."
