TDDA on alert for fentanyl

The opioid fentanyl has exploded overseas – here are five things businesses should do to keep on top of drugs in the workplace

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is warning of the dangers that fentanyl brings in a safety sensitive workplace like trucking or forestry.

The prevalence of fentanyl and other opiates are affecting New Zealand's workplaces. Drugs, now potentially laced with fentanyl, are affecting people's safety and livelihoods.

TDDA's top five things for businesses to know about fentanyl:  

1. TDDA has seen limited and low testing for the drug in the past, but given its explosion in places like the USA and Australia, the company has been anticipating the rise of fentanyl for some time.
2. Opioids, such as fentanyl, are incredibly addictive and widely available. Employees struggling with an opioid addiction pose several risks to a workplace, and may exhibit behavioural changes, rapid mood swings, confusion, paranoia, shallow breathing, anxiety, and depression.
3. Fentanyl can be legally prescribed or illegally taken. But, someone on fentanyl shouldn't be working in a safety sensitive area, driving, or operating heavy machinery.
4. Ensure your workplace substance use policy is up to date and covers prescription medications as well as fentanyl. And ensure your drug testing partner screens for fentanyl with modern drug testing technology. Not all testing devices screen for fentanyl.
5. A person may produce a positive drug test and have a legitimate prescription for that drug. In these cases, it is recommended that a Medical Review Officer (MRO) is consulted to confirm the drug test result is consistent with the dosage as prescribed by a doctor.