Articles

A group of adults attentively listens during a workshop or seminar. The focus is on a smiling woman with short brown hair and glasses wearing a beige sweater, seated among other participants in a bright, modern classroom setting. Everyone appears engaged and relaxed, suggesting a positive and interactive learning environment.

Why Once-and-Done Does Not Work: Build a Continuous Learning Culture Around Substance Use and Safety

Many organizations still treat drug and alcohol training as a requirement to be completed, checked off, and revisited next year… maybe. It shows up on a training calendar, everyone attends, … Read more

Diverse group of construction workers wearing safety vests and hard hats, listening attentively during a workplace safety meeting.

Workplace Safety’s Missing Link: Training for Fairness and Compassion in Response to Substance Use

When we think about workplace safety, our minds often jump to hard hats, harnesses, and hazard prevention. But there’s another kind of safety that deserves equal attention: the psychological and … Read more

Close-up of a blank drug test results form with a blue and silver pen resting on top. The form includes fields for personal information and checkboxes for testing reasons.

What Really Happens After a Positive Drug Test? Streamlining the MRO Process for Employers

When an employee’s lab test returns a positive result, employers often find themselves navigating a confusing and sometimes inefficient process. At the heart of this is the role of the … Read more

Group of industrial workers in uniform holding yellow hard hats, listening to a manager in a suit during a safety briefing on the factory floor. One worker holds a clipboard.

Rethinking Impairment: What Employers Need to Know Now

Over the past several months, we’ve unpacked one of the most misunderstood concepts in workplace safety: impairment. While the term is used often in policies, legal language, and HR conversations, … Read more

A close-up of a healthcare professional wearing a white lab coat and blue gloves, inserting a cotton swab into a transparent test tube, likely for oral fluid drug testing.

Why the “Standard” Drug Testing Panel Isn’t Enough

Many organizations still use the US DOT (Department of Transportation) 5-panel drug test. It’s familiar and referenced in many policies, but is it enough? Not anymore. Limiting your panel to … Read more

Two male coworkers collaborating at a desk with a tablet and coffee cup, while two female colleagues chat in the background in a modern office setting. Laptops and business charts are visible, indicating a professional workplace environment.

Substance Use, Safety, and the Employer’s Role: What Really Matters

Substance use in the workplace is a complex issue, one that goes far beyond testing or identifying who used what and when. At its core, it is about safety and … Read more

A woman sits on a couch with hands clasped nervously while a professional takes notes on a clipboard, suggesting a counseling or consultation session. The scene conveys a supportive and confidential environment, possibly related to health, substance use, or mental wellness.

What Is a Substance Use Expert and Why You Need One

In my work with safety-sensitive industries, I often hear the same questions when substance use becomes a workplace concern: “What happens next?” “How do we ensure fairness?” “Is this a … Read more

Group of adult learners seated at desks in a bright classroom, attentively engaging in a training session. Some are taking notes while others work on laptops.

Can We Objectively Measure Safety Risk? Why Testing Alone Isn’t Enough

As workplaces continue to evolve their substance use policies, one recurring question is this: Can safety risk really be measured objectively? It’s a fair question and one that doesn’t have … Read more

Close-up of a healthcare professional typing on a laptop with digital medical checklists and health data icons floating above the keyboard, representing electronic health records.

Why Medical Review Officers Matter

When we talk about fostering safe workplaces and healthy people, it’s easy to focus on policies, training, and testing. But behind the scenes, there’s a critical player ensuring those drug … Read more

Female worker in a hard hat and safety vest sitting at a desk in a warehouse, holding her head with both hands in a stressed or focused posture.

Perception vs. Reality: How Views on Substance Use Complicate Workplace Safety

As cannabis use becomes more normalized and socially accepted, employers face a growing challenge: how to balance shifting cultural attitudes with the ongoing need to maintain a safe work environment. … Read more

Close-up of a safety carabiner clipped to an orange railing, with a worker in a safety harness in the background. Emphasizes workplace safety.

Understanding Safety Risk: It’s More Complicated Than You Think

Workplace safety is a top priority, yet many employers still struggle with how to address substance use in a way that is practical, fair, and legally sound. The issue is … Read more

Close-up of a person holding a joint, with smoke rising from the end, indicating cannabis use.

Impairment: The Most Misunderstood Word in Workplace Safety

As a workplace substance use consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how society often oversimplifies “impairment” as a clear state of incapacity. But the reality is far more complex. Every one of … Read more

People celebrating at a festive event, joyfully blowing colorful confetti into the air. The vibrant scene captures a sense of fun and camaraderie, with bright decorations and cheerful energy.

Navigating Substance Use Policies During Holiday Gatherings

With the holidays upon us, many companies are planning gatherings to celebrate. It’s a time for connection and relaxation and also an important moment to consider best practices around social … Read more

Medical Cannabis in the Workplace: A Proven Model for Balancing Safety and Employee Rights

As cannabis legalization continues to expand globally, many employers are faced with the challenge of managing its use within their workplaces. Here in Canada, where cannabis has been legalized since … Read more

staff meeting

Managing Substance Use Disorder & the Return to Work Process

Managing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in the workplace is a multifaceted challenge that requires careful consideration of both the employee’s well-being and the organization’s operational needs. Returning to work after … Read more

cheek swab

The Cannabis Conundrum: Getting Employer Buy-in for Oral Fluid Testing to Protect Safety

As cannabis legalization spreads, ensuring workplace safety becomes increasingly complex. The normalization of cannabis use has brought about challenges in maintaining a safe and productive work environment. One effective approach … Read more

drug testing

The Uniqueness of Drug and Alcohol Testing in Canada vs the US

Yes, We Do Things Differently “Up North” What follows are some of the key areas where testing in Canada differs from the US. Of note, the information provided here is … Read more

Fit for Duty, Substance Use in the Workplace – Safety Services NB Podcast

Safety Services New Brunswick welcomes Nadine Wentzell back for a follow-up discussion on substance use and addictions in the workplace, with a focus on “fit for duty.”

Tips for Talking with an Employee about Addiction

Addiction affects a minimum of 10% of the population. It’s an expensive problem that can dramatically impact your bottom line. Are you worried about your employees’ safety? Managing addictions is vital to minimizing … Read more

Emerging Trends in Substance Use: Implications for Workplace Policies

In the constantly evolving landscape of substance use, it’s crucial for employers to stay ahead of trends, particularly with the ever-evolving prescription drug abuse and the emergence of new psychoactive … Read more

The Trouble With Not Knowing: When Substance Use Becomes an Addiction

My primary role as a Workplace Drug, Alcohol and Cannabis Consultant is to educate. One of the key areas of this focus is to help people understand that addiction is … Read more

Substance Use & Addictions in the Workplace – Safety Services NB Podcast

Hosted by Safety Services NB, tune in to learn about substance use & addictions in the workplace, testing, health care, and employer rights & responsibilities.

Substance Use & Addictions in the Workplace – Safety Services NB Podcast

Tune in to hear Nadine discuss substance use & addictions in the workplace, testing, health care, and employer rights & responsibilities.