Pubdate: Thu, 02 Feb 2012
Source: Rotorua Daily Post (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2012 Rotorua Daily Post.
Contact: http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/feedback/letters-to-the-editor/
Website: http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2785
Author: Anita Moran
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

DRUG TEST WORK CHEATS USING BLEACH

Workers are using bleach in a bid to beat drug tests at Bay of Plenty 
businesses.

Latest figures from the New Zealand Drug Detection Agency reveal the 
number of workplace tests in the region has more than doubled in the last year.

There were 4458 in 2011, compared with 1711 in 2010, with 8.5 per 
cent positive.

The agency's Bay of Plenty general manager Leigh Sefton said the 
increase could be down to a rise in testing rather than offending.

He said more companies recognised the benefits of a testing 
programme, in terms of morale and productivity as well as safety.

Mr Sefton said up to 10 people a week were trying to cheat the tests 
- - with most relying on a friend to provide a clean sample.

"This is usually concealed down the donor's pants in small bottles, 
condoms or similar receptacles."

Mr Sefton said the level of cheating depended on the type of 
industry, but most occurred at pre-employment tests.

"The donor is aware that they have a drug test to complete and they 
come prepared to try and cheat.

In a busy week we may have anywhere from three to 10 cheats."

People also tried adding chemicals such as bleach to urine to try to 
mask drug use and others took cleansing or flushing pills available 
at various health stores.

"However we still have a number of people fail the test and get quite 
upset that the flushing product they purchased hasn't worked."

Testing options included pre-employment, random, post-incident or 
accident and reasonable cause testing - when an employee was 
displaying recognised indicators or patterns of drug use.

He said the fact people attempted to cheat workplace drug tests was 
"a real shame".

"They don't seem to realise, or care, that drug testing is all about 
providing a safe working environment," he said.

Those caught trying to cheat drug tests were usually fired.

"It is a serious issue when someone is willingly jeopardising safety 
in the workplace," he said.
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