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A new survey indicates that up to one in five people working on construction sites could be working under the influence of drugs.
The government-funded National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) at the University of New South Wales surveyed 500 workers in construction, mining, transport and defence.
Its work revealed 21 per cent of respondents admitted to using cannabis within four hours of going to work.
The research follows release of a 2012 report by the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre that found 11 per cent of surveyed construction workers said they had used cannabis within the previous 24 hours. The same work, which included the CFMEU and AWU as project partners, showed nearly 5 per cent of workers had used ecstasy or methamphetamine substances with the last 24 hours too.
NCPIC’s research also showed that only 29 per cent of respondents in workplaces that do perform testing believe they will definitely be tested while a third said it was unlikely or that there is only a small chance they would be tested.
Dr Peter Gates of NCPIC said the survey showed that some factors influencing the health and safety of construction workers are in the control of workers themselves. He stated the results demonstrated “the disregard some people have for their own safety and that of their workmates.”
“What’s really alarming is some tradies are operating heavy machinery, dealing with hazardous materials and driving oversized vehicles on public roads, while their ability to do so is seriously impaired by an illegal substance – and they know it,” said Dr Gates.
“Tradies need to realise that being caught by a drug test is not the only risk associated with using cannabis at work.
“In the short-term they risk losing their job – or worse, a mate… No tradie wants to be responsible for hurting a mate while on the job, so knowing the side effects of cannabis use, and weighing up that risk, is really important.”
The Victorian Government has introduced mandatory random and ‘for cause’ drug and alcohol testingon building sites across the state and Master Builders has facilitated workshops to advise members how they can comply with these requirements.
“This new survey provides further justification for the introduction of mandatory drug and alcohol testing. It counters the arguments that the CFMEU put forward that there is no evidence of workers coming to sites under the influence,” said John Darcy, Manager of the OHS Department at Master Builders.
“Working on a construction site while under the influence of drugs or alcohol potentially puts everyone on a site in serious danger and builders should not be precluded from putting measures in place to ensure that no one comes onto their sites in an unfit state.”
“It is disappointing that the CFMEU opposes moves to bring in drug testing because this could help prevent serious injuries or even deaths on our worksites.”
Individuals with concerns or problems related to their cannabis use can access the free national Cannabis Information and Helpline on 1800 30 40 50.
Employers with concerns about drug use on their sites or looking for more information about drug and alcohol testing can contact Master Builders’ OHS Department on (03) 9411 4555.
The release of NCPIC’s work coincides with Tradies Health Month, which is running throughout August.
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