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Dew instigates new drugs test
15:59 06 Feb 2004
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Dew Pitchmastic has invested in a new drugs test to enforce its
health and safety policies on site.
Dew is using Altrix Health-care's Intercept Pad, a device that can obtain a sample of oral mucosal transudate (OMT) from the tissues in the mouth. This method is the most accurate alternative to testing blood samples.
Dew's regional safety officers test 5% of its 2,000-strong workforce each year, including subcontractors, on a random basis. Last year, 13% to 14% returned positive tests, "invariably for cannabis", said David Bolton, Dew's group associate director - health and safety. However, there were no targeted tests.
No directly employed staff have returned positive tests. The subcontracted staff who did were immediately removed from the site. Punishments are handled on a case-by-case basis. "It's easier to deal with subcontractors that have their own drugs and alcohol policy," Bolton said.
Dew started using the new system last year. OMT test samples are collected simply and quickly, with the pad left in the mouth for two minutes, Bolton said.
Direct observation of the person being tested is possible throughout the sample collection without compromising their human rights. Two samples are taken and preserved; the A sample is tested and the B sample is retained in secure storage for evidential purposes with the results usually available within 24 hours.
"OMT testing is legally defensible and offers all of the benefits associated with blood testing, but without excessive cost and the use of needles.
"It's a bit more dignified for all involved and it's very difficult to adulterate," Bolton said. Mouthwash, chocolate, fruit juice and toothpaste do not prevent the pad doing its job.
Nevertheless, he conceded: "As drug-taking becomes more socially acceptable, the job gets more difficult." However, word has got round on site about the effectiveness of the OMT test and some operatives have walked off site rather than face delivering a positive test.
This year Dew's regional safety officers will randomly test 100 to 150 operatives.
Dew is using Altrix Health-care's Intercept Pad, a device that can obtain a sample of oral mucosal transudate (OMT) from the tissues in the mouth. This method is the most accurate alternative to testing blood samples.
Dew's regional safety officers test 5% of its 2,000-strong workforce each year, including subcontractors, on a random basis. Last year, 13% to 14% returned positive tests, "invariably for cannabis", said David Bolton, Dew's group associate director - health and safety. However, there were no targeted tests.
No directly employed staff have returned positive tests. The subcontracted staff who did were immediately removed from the site. Punishments are handled on a case-by-case basis. "It's easier to deal with subcontractors that have their own drugs and alcohol policy," Bolton said.
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Dew started using the new system last year. OMT test samples are collected simply and quickly, with the pad left in the mouth for two minutes, Bolton said.
Direct observation of the person being tested is possible throughout the sample collection without compromising their human rights. Two samples are taken and preserved; the A sample is tested and the B sample is retained in secure storage for evidential purposes with the results usually available within 24 hours.
"OMT testing is legally defensible and offers all of the benefits associated with blood testing, but without excessive cost and the use of needles.
"It's a bit more dignified for all involved and it's very difficult to adulterate," Bolton said. Mouthwash, chocolate, fruit juice and toothpaste do not prevent the pad doing its job.
Nevertheless, he conceded: "As drug-taking becomes more socially acceptable, the job gets more difficult." However, word has got round on site about the effectiveness of the OMT test and some operatives have walked off site rather than face delivering a positive test.
This year Dew's regional safety officers will randomly test 100 to 150 operatives.
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