Methamphetamine will leave persistent residues on surfaces (benchtops, upholstery, walls, ceiling, flooring, tiles, air-conditioning, ventilation ducts) after manufacture (“cooking”) and smoking. The level of risk depends on the amount of contamination and the susceptibility of the exposed, but they are significant. Short-term exposure effects include recurrent headaches, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Even minimal exposure can be detrimental, especially for children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems (bronchitis, recurrent respiratory infections, induced asthma), psychiatric/behavioural problems, neurocognitive injury (memory, cognitive impairment), and an increased risk of cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer).

Exposure can be by skin absorption, eating foods in contact with the residues or (for older children and adults) by breathing in the residues. Children are at greatest risk (given their higher metabolic rate, low body mass and developing CNS) – the EPIC National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure Report 2003² reported ~55% of children tested from sites of former meth home labs test positive for significant levels of meth and other toxic chemicals involved in its manufacture (Messina et al 2015)³. Wright et al (2017)⁴ reporting on the health effects on children living in former (i.e., supposedly now clean) meth smoke houses and labs emphasised the persisting health risks of methamphetamine environmental contamination (even to adults) which underlines the need for extensive methamphetamine residue testing and thorough cleaning of such sites when identified.

Meth residue contamination has significant legal implications: property owners and landlords can face liability for any injuries or harm resulting from exposure to meth residue on their premises, including physical harm to occupants and financial losses incurred due to the contamination.

With the increasing meth use nation-wide (the latest National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program report⁵ shows record high Capital/urban meth use) meth residues pose a serious health challenge – and the first step to address it is meth residue testing followed – if the site is contaminated – by a thorough decontamination.

1. score-network.eu
2. The National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure Report!(EPIC Form 14 OK3) www. We get thereeginfo.gov>DownloadDocument
3. Messina N, Marinelli-Casey P, West K, Rawson R. Children exposed to methamphetamine use and manufacture Child Abue Negl. Nov 2014; 38(11): 1872-1883
4. Wright W, Keneally ME, Edwards JW, Stewart Walker G. associated with Living in a former Methamphetamine Laboratory – Victoria, Australia 2015 Morbidity and Mortality Weely 6 Jan 2017; 65(52): 1470 – 1473
5. www.acic.gov.au/publications

In this webinar, we will explore:

• Basics of Wastewater Drug Testing: Fundamentals of this innovative testing method.
• National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program: Findings, trends & workplace relevance.
• Advantages and Limitations: Why wastewater testing is valuable yet cannot replace conventional drug tests.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples demonstrating the effectiveness of drug use reduction policies.
• Practical Tips: Guidance on integrating wastewater testing into your workplace program.
• Future Trends: Upcoming advancements in wastewater drug testing technology.

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Methamphetamine production and use release harmful chemicals into the environment. These substances can cling to walls, carpets, and even air ducts, creating an invisible threat. Long-term exposure to meth residue can lead to respiratory issues, headaches, and other health concerns, especially in children and pets.

Protecting Health

The primary reason to test for meth residue is to ensure the health and safety of the inhabitants. By identifying contamination early, property owners can take the necessary steps to decontaminate and prevent exposure to these toxic chemicals.

Real Estate Transactions

When buying a property, you want to ensure that your investment is safe and free from hidden dangers. Meth testing as part of the home inspection process can give buyers peace of mind or serve as a bargaining chip if issues are discovered.

Landlord and Tenant Law

Landlords have a responsibility to provide a safe living environment for their tenants. Testing for meth residue is a proactive measure that can prevent legal issues down the line if tenants become ill due to undisclosed contamination.

Meth testing involves taking samples from various surfaces within the property. These samples are then analysed in a laboratory to determine the level of contamination. Professional testing is recommended to get accurate results and ensure that the sampling process does not further spread contamination.

If a test comes back positive for meth residue, it’s crucial to undertake a thorough decontamination process. This should be done by professionals who specialise in hazardous material cleanup to ensure that the property is safe for future use.

Safework Health provides thorough methamphetamine testing services to safeguard against methamphetamine contamination. Using advanced, lab-based methods, we accurately detect methamphetamine and other amphetamines. As one of the few laboratories in Western Australia offering results within 48 hours, we ensure quick and efficient testing, enabling prompt corrective action.

If you suspect that your property or workplace may have been exposed to methamphetamine use or production, don’t hesitate to contact Safework Health today.

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why this training is crucial. Supervisors are often the first line of defence in identifying potential substance abuse issues. Proper training equips them with the knowledge and skills to:

• Identify signs of impairment or substance use.
• Take appropriate and timely action to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
• Support employees who may be struggling with substance abuse issues.

Training should cover the physical, behavioural, and performance-related signs that may indicate substance use. These can include:

• Physical signs: Bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, unsteady gait, and unusual odours.
• Behavioural signs: Increased absenteeism, mood swings, lack of coordination, and personality changes.
• Performance issues: Decreased productivity, frequent mistakes, poor decision-making, and unexplained accidents.

Supervisors need to develop keen observation skills to detect these signs. This involves:

• Paying close attention to changes in employee behaviour and performance.
• Keeping detailed records of any incidents or patterns that may indicate substance use.
• Understanding the difference between occasional issues and consistent patterns that may suggest a problem.

Supervisors must be aware of the company’s drug and alcohol policy and the legal implications of their actions. Training should include:

• A thorough review of the company’s drug and alcohol testing policy.
• Information on federal and state laws regarding workplace substance use.
• Guidelines on maintaining confidentiality and respecting employee privacy.

Effective communication is key when addressing suspected substance use. Training should teach supervisors how to:

• Approach the employee in a non-confrontational manner.
• Use clear, direct, and respectful language.
• Document conversations and actions taken.

Supervisors should be trained on the procedures for reasonable suspicion testing, which involves:

• Documenting the observed behaviours that led to the suspicion.
• Following the company’s policies and procedures for initiating a drug or alcohol test.
• Ensuring the process is conducted fairly and consistently.

Supervisors need to provide support to employees who may be struggling with substance abuse. This includes:

• Referring them to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other resources.
• Encouraging them to seek help and offering support during their recovery process.
• Understanding the signs of relapse and knowing how to respond appropriately.

Enrol your managers in Safework Health’s Reasonable Suspicion Training for Supervisors course today!

This detailed workshop helps supervisors recognise and understand reasonable suspicion and the appropriate steps to take according to your alcohol and drug policy. Training is available online or face-to-face.

A Coal Board Medical is a comprehensive health assessment specifically designed for individuals working within the coal mining industry. It’s not just a routine check-up; rather, it’s a thorough evaluation to ensure that workers are fit to perform their duties safely and effectively.

The Queensland Government tightly regulates the coal mining industry to uphold safety standards. As per these regulations, anyone working in coal mines or associated environments must undergo a Coal Board Medical. Appointed medical professionals who specialise in the health risks of coal mining conduct these assessments.

A Coal Board Medical covers various aspects of health and fitness, including:

1. Physical Examination: This involves a general physical assessment to ensure overall health and fitness for work.
2. Lung Function Tests: Given the risk of respiratory issues due to exposure to coal dust, lung function tests, including spirometry and chest X-rays, are typically conducted.
3. Hearing Tests: Mining environments often include audiometry tests to address concerns about noise-induced hearing loss.
4. Cardiovascular Assessment: Aspects such as blood pressure and heart health may also be evaluated.
5. Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mining companies often have strict policies on substance use, including screenings for drugs and alcohol.

Yes, it’s possible to fail a Coal Board Medical. If an individual’s health condition doesn’t meet the required standards set by the Queensland government and industry regulations, they may be deemed unfit for work until the issue is addressed.

A Coal Board Medical is usually valid for two to five years, depending on individual circumstances and company policies. After this period, individuals must undergo a new assessment to confirm their continued fitness for work.

The cost of a Coal Board Medical can vary depending on the provider and the specific assessments required. In Queensland, it’s common for mining companies to cover the cost of these assessments for their employees as part of their commitment to ensuring a safe working environment.

Coal Board Medicals are conducted by appointed medical advisers (AMA) and occupational health services.

Safework Health’s clinic is located in the Brisbane suburb of Murarrie, making it convenient for workers to book an appointment. To discover more, call us on 1300 795 227 or email info@swhealth.com.au.

In the coal mining industry, prioritising the health and safety of workers is non-negotiable. The Coal Board Medical plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals are fit to work in this challenging environment. By adhering to Queensland’s stringent regulations and undergoing regular assessments, miners can contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for all.

One of the notable advantages of drug testing through portable toilets is its independence from self-reporting or random onsite checks. By analysing the drug content of wastewater, an accurate, real-time picture of the total amount and various types of drugs used by individuals at a worksite can be obtained, providing insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

While portable toilet drug testing cannot pinpoint which individual among the toilet users is consuming drugs, it offers valuable information about the scale and nature of drug use at a worksite. This data enables further targeted on-site drug testing, focusing on sites where issues are identified, thus complementing conventional drug testing methods.

Portable toilets, with their waste storage tanks, serve as snapshots of collective drug use by all users since the last tank change. Unlike general wastewater analysis, which provides average drug use per thousand people, portable toilet sampling allows for the identification of specific drugs and their quantities consumed within a defined timeframe.

Collecting samples from portable toilets is a straightforward process, typically done after work hours. Approximately 200 to 300 mL of waste is extracted and placed in a 300 mL High-Density White Plastic container, following the Safework Health Wastewater Collection Protocol.

Samples can be collected by your team or our qualified Collectors. We will provide training to your team.

Determining the frequency of wastewater drug testing requires consideration of various factors, including the frequency of toilet use and the time since the last tank change.

It is recommended to conduct testing once every three months at each worksite, with increased frequency warranted after accidents or suspicion of on-site drug issues.

After receiving the samples, our National Toxicologist will provide you with a simple and concise report detailing the drugs detected within four days.

Safework Health offers a comprehensive wastewater drug testing service to safeguard your worksite from the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.

Contact us today to learn more and take proactive steps towards ensuring a safer work environment.