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Random drug tests for new hospital contruction site

Random drug tests for new hospital contruction site

FIRST ON 7: Workers at the new Royal Adelaide Hospital construction site will soon be hit with random drug tests.

A fortnight ago 7News reported a worker involved in the most recent crane mishap at the work site had failed his initial drug test.


It is understood a second sample sent away for lab tests has also come back positive for methamphetamine.

The builder HYLC launched a review of its drug and alcohol policy and has already installed a voluntary self-test facility for booze.

Currently, workers are only tested after an incident, but the company wants to introduce random tests for all workers, including office staff and management.

“It is known that drugs is a problem in this industry as in other industries, so it is time to take a stand on it,” John Stokes from the Master Builders Association said.

“We would endorse what they’re doing in bringing in a policy that’s more rigorous.”

The workers’ union is also on board, but wants more detail.

“What is random testing that they want to implement? How many people? When? How often?” asked Aaron Cartledge from the building union.

It will meet with its members tomorrow to gauge opinions.

The new policy is likely to set a precedent for all major building sites across the state.