WORKER WELLNESS

Story: Rod Dale, Group Technical Manager, The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA)

DESPITE THE FORESTRY AND LOGGING

industry’s proactive approach to health and safety, it remains an industry with heightened risk. People must work on steep slopes, with tall heights, and with heavy machinery, making worker safety absolutely paramount. Sadly, according to WorkSafe, the forestry industry has had, historically, one of the highest rates of fatality among others in New Zealand.

Having worked with the forestry industry for over 15 years, I understand the unique challenges it faces, as well as the commitment of many forest owners to mitigate risks in work sites. One of the safety-related challenges is that the use of illegal drugs is not uncommon among workers. In fact, according to the NZ Drug Foundation, 15.3% of the adult population in New Zealand has used cannabis in the past year, that is around 635,000 adults. In addition, 1.2% of Kiwi adults (around 40,000) have consumed amphetamines.

Furthermore, COVID infections and lockdowns have left many workers selfisolating for weeks. Substance use increases with prolonged time away from work. It’s a bad coping mechanism for dealing with challenging situations. Unfortunately, workers high on drugs or suffering from their after-effects are more likely to be involved in workplace incidents.

Now that we’re past the Omicron peak, it is an opportune time to restart with a safer forestry working environment.

Health and safety collaboration in Northland The most important decision for forestry owners and managers is to take a united stance towards health and safety. One of many admirable examples within forestry I have seen is in Northland, where nearly all forestry operators and contractors get together every two months for a few hours’ long learning session. The safety committee shares case studies, new knowledge, and best practices about health and safety. Safety-related organisations, such as WorkSafe, ACC and TDDA, are invited along every time. Everyone comes in with an objective to enhance safety in the workplace.

During these meetings, TDDA shares overall drug testing statistics for Northland forestry operators. This includes the types and amounts of substances found in drug tests and wastewater results, as well as drug trends to be aware of. We also share the drug test data for each of the management companies with their respective leaders. With these insights, leaders can champion targeted changes in their businesses to mitigate risks.

Apart from the bimonthly forum, I am aware that some exemplary forestry operators continually share case studies with their counterparts whenever a workplace incident happens, so that teams around the country can learn from each other. Prior to this, it had been common for teams to feel embarrassed about a workplace incident. But you learn best from mistakes – by sharing the knowledge, everyone can learn. Their willingness to share has no doubt raised the awareness of safety in forest sites.

Because of the Northland forestry management groups’ commitment to health and safety, their overall failure percentage rate for random drug testing conducted through TDDA has gone down significantly over the past years, from the teens to the low single digits. Workplace drug testing effective in mitigating risks While we are on the topic of drug testing results, it has to be said that workplace drug testing is a key element in ensuring a drugfree working environment. To put it plainly: drug testing works.

Across the country our testing teams noticed that failure rates rose right after extended COVID lockdowns. When people are not tested, they do not have an incentive to remain clean.

That’s why TDDA recommends a proactive approach to your teams returning to their jobs, rather than a reactive one. Return-towork testing is the most effective way to make sure your people are fit for work and won’t compromise your workplace safety.

Some forestry operators have been a bit cautious about re-introducing testing after the lockdowns or self-isolation because they want to maintain a “feel good” atmosphere. However, what TDDA has noticed is that because they have shied away from return-to-work testing, we’ve been called to conduct “reasonable cause” testing more often. This is testing done after workplace incidents happen. Return-towork and random testing act as reminders for employees to self-monitor.

In addition to random and return-towork testing, pre-employment drug testing

TDDA tester with devices in a mobile clinic.

is a critical tool for working through due diligence on newcomers joining your team. It provides a risk assessment of the potential candidate and helps ensure the right people are operating forestry machinery and vehicles. The industry has embraced it because, along with a policy discussion, it sends a message that the team’s safety is paramount – before the first day of work even starts.

An early warning approach helps create a culture of safety. It shows prospective employees that your drug and alcohol policy is not just a piece of paper but a set of guiding principles that the company takes seriously. When expectations are understood and accepted, workplaces improve.

It’s important to note that pre-employment testing is focused on identifying persistent drug users who can harm people and the businesses’ bottom line. It is not about naming and shaming someone who once used cannabis or had a drink after work with mates. It’s about identifying long-term, consistent use.

Robust drug and alcohol policy underpins quality drug-testing Of course, at the core of a quality drugtesting programme is having a fair and effective drug and alcohol policy. Most forestry companies already have a drug and alcohol policy, however like any company policy, this should be reviewed regularly as new cases are brought before employment courts, bringing with them new decisions and requirements relating to drug testing in the workplace. I have seen many pitfalls that companies have fallen into from not heeding expert advice, and rushing into testing their employees. So do engage an accredited drug testing company with a proven record to help with designing and tailoring your policy to meet your company’s specific needs and requirements.

As the forestry industry returns to more normalised work after two years of lockdowns and isolation, I want you to remember one thing about drug policies and testing. Testing isn’t about punishment – it’s about creating safer workplaces for New Zealanders.

Rod Dale is a former New Zealand Police Officer, a qualified Detective and served in the Drug Squad where he investigated national and international drug dealing syndicates and targeted New Zealand’s organised crime groups. More recently, Rod served on the committee that determined the AS 4760-2006 Oral Fluid Standard, and is on the committee revising the AS/NZS 4308: 2008 urine drug testing standard. Rod is a current serving board member on the American National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and is Chair of the International Committee. Rod is also qualified as a drug abuse recognition trainer by the California Narcotics Officers Association (CNOA). NZL

Above: TDDA mobile clinic at an East Cape forestry site. Left: TDDA mobile clinic in the bush.