FLEETDRIVE consumption .
However , both sets of data indicate that a Fleet with several hundred vehicles , and many hundred individual drivers , is very likely to have drivers who will be affected to some degree by the effects of drugs recently consumed , and be prone to the risk of accidents and collisions as previously mentioned .
Current case study – Concrete Agitator truck fleet
The following data from a HSE manager of a concrete business that operates in several AUS states and territories adds some further dimensions to the “ big picture ” data mentioned above . This organisation has been conducting random drug testing for more than 10 years , and all employees have a pre employment drug screen ( and medical ) prior to onboarding .
Based on an analysis of their last 2 years of workplace drug testing ( approx . 230 tests / annum ), I was able to highlight a number of interesting data points
• Overall positive rate is approx . 1.4 % with their Oral Fluid testing ( mostly drivers , some office and support staff included )
• Average length of employment at time of first
positive ‘ strike ’ – 3.8 years
° Variation was quite large – many were less than 1 year employed , max was around 11years of continuous employment at the time of their first positive result .
Most interestingly ( and consistent with many other analyses I have conducted ) was that the overall rate of positives was 4-6 x higher amongst their contractors / labour hire than the permanent workforce .
There are a number of factors to consider when assessing the risks associated with drug use and driving , such as costs , workplace composition and documented crash and injury rates . But I do believe the data shows it is a demonstrable risk for all of us that use the roads for work , business and pleasure .
Andrew Leibie is an Independent Forensic Toxicologist who specialises in workplace Drug testing programs . He has no commercial associations with any drug testing providers or organisations .
1 . Cannabis and driving ability Sevigny , E Current Opinion in Psychology Volume 38 , April 2021 , Pages 75-79
2 . Cannabis Effects on Driving Skills Hartman et al Clinical Chemistry , Volume 59 , Issue 3 , 1 March 2013 , Pages 478 – 492
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