Glenn Dobson, CEO of The Drug Detection Agency, writes that something has changed in our workplaces, and it’s not good.
TDDA’s drug and alcohol screening data shows a sharp rise in amphetamines, and the biggest offender is meth. Our data, from the Imperans’ Q4 2024 report, showed detections jumped to 24.4 percent, up from 18.8 percent a year earlier. That’s a clear red flag.
Wastewater testing revealed the highest levels of methamphetamine, also known as ice or ‘P’, consumption ever recorded in the second half of 2024. This data confirmed what our technical experts suspected – meth is bigger than ever, and every civil construction operator in New Zealand should be concerned.
When meth use grows in communities, it’s only a matter of time before it shows up in the workforce. And in civil construction, the risks are immediate and profound.
Meth cause dizziness, impaired coordination, aggressive behaviour and poor judgement. And like alcohol, or any other drug, there are hangover effects. Fatigue caused by drug use can cloud judgement and cause slow reaction times. After meth wears off, users experience a severe “crash” caused by extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation.
The increase in meth use by Kiwis is a clear and present danger. Maintaining compliance with HSWA 2015 and protecting your workforce is crucial.
Don’t wait for a crisis
Remaining compliant means identifying and managing the risks of impairment. If a worker under the influence causes a serious incident and it’s found that the business didn’t have appropriate testing or policies in place, the consequences can be severe.
Legal liability, financial penalties, ACC issues, reputational damage, and personal exposure for directors are all possible outcomes.
Every construction business TDDA works with has safety policies. But policies aren’t worth much if they’re not enforced, reviewed, and communicated to employees regularly. Here’s what I tell every industry owner and manager I sit down with:
“If one of your workers is found to be at risk of impairment after an incident, the spotlight lands squarely on you. You’re about to be scrutinised by regulators. Did you create a culture of safety?
Do you have a policy and was it communicated to your team? Did you conduct education sessions? Did you have a testing programme in place? All of these aren’t nice-to-haves anymore, they’re critical for safety and you and the business’s best line of defence.”
Beyond safety and legal risks, there are real operational costs. Regular meth use leads to missed shifts, a decrease in work standards, conflict, and falling morale. Left unchecked, it sends the wrong message that safety culture is just a buzzword, and that leadership isn’t willing to confront complex issues. In a sector already battling labour shortages, that’s the last thing you need.
Roadside drug testing is on the way
By late March, drug-driving testing legislation passed its final reading. Roadside testing is set to begin by December, with 50,000 tests planned annually. This is a critical move that, during a boom in meth use, adds new urgency for businesses to ensure their workers are fit for the job.
Here’s a checklist to safeguard your team and your business:
• Review your drug and alcohol policy with a professional.
• Introduce a testing programme that is custom fit for your business.
• Educate and train supervisors and managers to recognise the signs of impairment.
• Educate your staff so they understand your drug and alcohol policy and your expectations.
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) offers 24/7 mobile drug and alcohol testing, tailored training and education programmes, and guidance on workplace substance use policies: tdda.com.
Parting words from Jeremy Sole- a final column