Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) in Australia account for more than 4,186 deaths per annum and have a combined economic loss of $23.5 billion to the community.1 And with the release of a new report from Surf Life Saving Australia2, it is evident alcohol and other drugs also play a major factor in coastal deaths around Australia.
The report analysis a wide range of factors including rip currents, alcohol and drug use and death due to an injury. What may be surprising for some is that whilst rip currents accounted for 11% of deaths, alcohol use (BAC greater than 0.050) accounted for a much higher percentage at 54%.
Key Facts:
- From 2004 – 2020 average of 31 deaths per year with alcohol and / or other drugs in their system
- 20-29 year olds make up 20% of all deaths
- Males make up a staggering 85%
- 72% Australian born / 93% Australian residents
- Average blood alcohol concentration of 0.190, nearly four times the legal car diving limit for a full license holder
Incident Type:
41%
Drugs
40%
Alcohol
19%
Alcohol & Drugs
Demographics:
20%
20 – 29 Year Olds
42%
35 – 54 Year Olds
85%
Males
93%
Australian Residents
72%
Australian Born
15%
Females
References:
1 – Australian Institute of Health & Welfare
2 – Coastal Safety Brief, Alcohol and Drugs – Surf Life Saving Australia
Mega Tasmanian drug bust reveals $4.5m worth of ice in camping equipment
We have seen Tasmania Police’s specialist officers excel recently at newsworthy drug busts, like our report earlier this year where Millions of dollars in cash and drugs uncovered by Tasmania Police and this recent event is no different. On Friday 1 October, 2021 after two raids on properties in the Hobart suburb of Glenorchy Police…
Read More
We’re still available over the Christmas / New Year break!
Please note our Head Office and Breathalyser Calibration Centre will be closed from 22 December 2021 – 4 January 2022. To avoid delays, please send devices for calibration well before these dates. Our Accredited Technicians will still be conducting alcohol and other drug testing during this period and our 24/7 Callout and Advice service will…
Read More
Nine things to teach your employees regarding your Drug & Alcohol Management Program (DAMP)
Recently in the blog we discussed why education & awareness training is essential for a successful Drug and Alcohol Management Program (DAMP). Following up from this, today we are covering some things that should be covered in such training. 1What is a drug and alcohol management program (DAMP)? 2Why is there a need for implementation…
Read More
Same day drug testing appointments available in Hobart, Tasmania
Sometimes when you need a drug test you don’t get much warning. It may be for a new job, a promotion or for a number of other reasons. The good news is, if you are located in Hobart, Tasmania we are able to facilitate same day appointments Monday – Friday between 9am and 5pm. Every…
Read More
Best practice in your random drug and alcohol testing program
In a recent blog post we covered random drug and alcohol testing in the workplace and how to create an effective deterrent effect. So to follow on from this we are going to cover how to ensure best practice in your random testing program. 1Appoint a quality accredited independent drug and alcohol testing provider to…
Read More
Education & awareness training essential for a successful DAMP
“Awareness – you don’t know… what you didn’t know … until you know you didn’t know!” Whether we like it or not, misuse of alcohol, illegal drugs and medications are rife in society, and the workplace. Greater than 20% of Australians drink alcohol at levels deemed risky to high risk of harm.1 6.6% of Australians…
Read More
Seven Steps to a “Successful” Drug Testing Program
“A successful Drug and Alcohol Management Program (DAMP) will incorporate regular random testing, ideally resulting in zero positive test results.” Colin Thomas, Relevant Drug Testing Solutions There is a common misconception in workplaces that if you are not detecting alcohol or illegal drugs among your personnel, you no longer need to conduct random testing, or…
Read More
Random drug and alcohol testing in the workplace
“This property is protected by guard dog four nights a week, you guess which four!” As with the above phrase, a successful deterrent effect is the key outcome for any random Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) testing program. A random testing program will only create the required deterrent when done correctly. Plus, it involves much…
Read More
Millions of dollars in cash and drugs uncovered by Tasmania Police
Key Points:• 6 people arrested• Police raid properties across Tasmania and Queensland• More than $4 million in cocaine and methamphetamine seized• Largest illicit drug investigation Tasmania police have conducted Tasmania Police Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said the drug investigation had been “significantly complex” and was believed to be the largest illicit drug investigation police had conducted in…
Read More
Five “Common Mistakes” in Workplace Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures
A technically correct Policy & Procedure is the basis of any successful Drug and Alcohol Management Program (DAMP). It should comprise a range of strategies including education / awareness training, employee assistance programs, alcohol and other drug testing and procedures for breach of Policy or Procedure. Failure to develop a technically correct Policy and Procedure…
Read More