Key features of our biological monitoring service include:

• Rapid Turnaround Time: Time is of the essence in health surveillance schemes. With our commitment to a 5-day turnaround for results, businesses can promptly implement corrective measures, mitigating potential exposures and safeguarding their workers’ health effectively.
• Nationwide Accessibility: We service every state and territory in Australia, ensuring businesses across the country have access to reliable health monitoring solutions. Whether operating in urban centres or remote locations, businesses can now protect their workers’ health regardless of their geographic location.
• NATA Accreditation: Our Brisbane laboratory is at the forefront of excellence in health surveillance. Our chemical testing laboratory is one of the first commercial laboratories in Australia to be awarded NATA accreditation for determining isocyanate and phenol exposure in the workplace. This certification provides assurance that we adhere to the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
• Efficient Testing Method: We use urine testing to assess the level of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Urine testing is a cost-effective and fast way to monitor workers’ health. This approach makes it feasible for businesses of all sizes to implement health monitoring programs.

Employees who work with hazardous chemicals are exposed to potential health risks that may not be immediately evident.

Regular health monitoring is crucially important to detect any potential adverse effects on workers’ health and to ensure their overall well-being is safeguarded.

By adopting a comprehensive health monitoring for exposure to hazardous chemicals scheme, businesses can effectively monitor the health of their workers, enabling them to identify potential exposures early and take preventive measures.

For more information on this ground-breaking new health surveillance testing service, please call us on 1300 795 227 or email us at info@swhealth.com.au

In Australia, oxycodone and fentanyl are not part of a routine workplace drug test. Employees are only tested for the drug if it is stated in the company’s drug and alcohol policy.

However, recent changes to the Australian and New Zealand Standards have included oxycodone and fentanyl as optional drugs in AS/NZS 4308:2008 (urine).

Safework Health can test for these drugs with our NATA accredited urine drug testing service.

Oxycodone and fentanyl are powerful and highly addictive opioids commonly used for pain management. Their misuse has become a pressing concern globally, including in Australia, due to the associated health risks and potential for devastating consequences.

Opioids are the most common drugs involved in accidental fatal overdoses in Australia. Data from Australia’s Annual Overdose Report shows that in 2021, 765 of the total 1,675 deaths involved opioids, making up 46% of deaths.

Recent analysis of the National Mortality Database shows that in 2020 there were 1091 drug-induced deaths, with opiate-based analgesics making up 59% of the deaths. Simply put, three out of five drug-induced deaths occurred due to misuse of prescription opioids including oxycodone and fentanyl.

Furthermore, data from the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed that the use of non-medical oxycodone, fentanyl and other prescription painkillers / opioids increased from the previous survey.

Fentanyl and oxycodone are both powerful opioid medications used to manage severe pain.

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is used primarily to manage severe pain, such as pain associated with surgery, cancer, or other medical procedures. It can be administered through various routes, including intravenous (IV), transdermal patches, lozenges, and nasal sprays. Fentanyl patches, for example, are commonly used for chronic pain management in patients who are already opioid-tolerant.

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is another opioid medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It can be found in various formulations, such as immediate-release and extended-release tablets or capsules. Oxycodone is often prescribed for pain that is not effectively managed by other pain medications or for post-surgical pain. It’s worth noting that oxycodone is sometimes combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen, to enhance its pain-relieving effects.

NATA is Australia’s leading national accreditation body. NATA accredits organisations to perform testing and inspection activities for their products and services.

Safework Health has been a NATA accredited organisation for many years. Our accreditation provides assurance to our clients that our laboratories meet high standards for quality and reliability.

Safework Health is a trusted provider of drug and alcohol testing services. We offer fast turnaround times, flexible testing options, and national coverage.

Contact us today for a confidential discussion about your workplace drug screening needs.

We offer a comprehensive range of occupational medicals, including:

• Pre-Employment Medicals
• Rail Medicals
• Driver Medicals
• OGUK Medicals
• AMSA Medicals
• Health Surveillance
• Confined Space Medicals
• Aviation Medicals
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Health and Wellness Checks
• Independent Medicals
• Fitness for Duty

Additionally, we provide various individual services to cater to specific needs, including:

• Audiometry
• Spirometry
• Instant Drug and Alcohol Testing
  • Saliva Drug Test
  • Urine Drug Test
  • Breath Alcohol Test
• Laboratory Urine Drug Test
• Cholesterol / Glucose Fingerprick Test
• Functional Capacity Assessment
• ECG
• Chest X-rays

Alp Bekensir has 15 years of experience in analytical chemistry and drugs of abuse focusing on mass spectroscopy applications in Australia and overseas.

Alp is an expert in his field and an accomplished author and speaker. He has written internationally recognised articles and presented at conferences and seminars across Australia.

NATA is Australia’s leading national accreditation body. NATA accredits organisations to perform testing and inspection activities for their products and services.

Safework Health has been a NATA accredited organisation for many years. Our accreditation provides assurance to our clients that our laboratories meet high standards for quality and reliability.

Connect with Alp on LinkedIn.

A pre-employment medical (PEM) is a health assessment conducted on a job applicant before they are hired by a company.

The purpose of the examination is to determine if the applicant is physically and mentally fit to perform the duties of the job and to ensure their safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

Medical assessments vary depending on the job and the industry. Common components include:

• Medical History: The applicant is required to provide detailed information about their medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, chronic conditions, allergies, and medications they are taking.
• Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical examination is often conducted by an occupational health professional. This may include measuring height, weight, blood pressure, checking vital signs, evaluating vision and hearing, and assessing general physical fitness.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Some employers may require drug and alcohol screening to ensure a safe and drug-free workplace. This can be done through a urine or saliva drug test, or a breath alcohol test.
• Vision and Hearing Tests: Jobs that require good vision and hearing may involve specific tests to evaluate visual acuity, colour vision, depth perception, and hearing capabilities.

The duration for receiving pre-employment medical results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of tests conducted, the specific requirements of the employer, the efficiency of the medical facility conducting the tests, and the volume of tests being processed. Generally, results will be available within 24 hours.

Occupational health checks are important for both employers and employees. For employers, they ensure that the candidate is fit for the job and does not pose a risk to themselves or others. This can help to reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.

For employees, they help to identify any underlying health conditions that may require treatment or accommodation. This can help ensure that the employee can work safely and comfortably in their new role.

In addition, health assessments can promote a culture of health and safety in the workplace.

Safework Health is a trusted provider of pre-employment medicals. We have a network of occupational health clinics across Australia and are dedicated to delivering efficient timely medical assessments for a range of industries.

We provide fast results, flexible booking options and same-day appointments.

Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment.

Safework Health is a national provider of workplace drug and alcohol courses and education programs.

Courses can be delivered live online or in person at your workplace.

Contact us today to discover more.

To make a booking or for more information, please call us on 1300 795 227 or email us at info@swhealth.com.au

The acquisition means we can deliver more value to our clients who will benefit from a wider range of services and locations.

From 1 May 2023, MSG Health will be known as Safework Health and the business will be located at Unit 6 / 2 Graham Street, Adelaide Airport.

MSG Health brings to Safework Health over 15 years of experience providing occupational medicine services, pre-employment medical tests, drug and alcohol testing services, work injury management and employee risk assessments.

Currently servicing some of Australia and Adelaide’s largest recruitment agencies along with private mining and resource companies, the staff at MSG Health have an excellent understanding of how important the successful delivery of these services is to our clients.

The team recognise it is crucial for employers to have their potential and existing employees’ capacity and fitness assessed for their proposed job role or ongoing roles with their employer. This includes comprehensive feedback and a fast turnaround.

From 1 May 2023, we will be located at Unit 6 / 2 Graham Street, Adelaide Airport SA 5950.

To book an appointment or for more information, please call us on 08 8355 9400 or email us at reception@medicalsynergy.com.au