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 cultural safety that comes from how we handle sensitive issues like substance use. For many organizations, this is … Read more
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 Medical Review Officer (MRO) and the procedures that follow a flagged test result. Here’s a clearer breakdown of … Read more
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, it’s rarely defined clearly. That lack of clarity creates confusion, inconsistency, and risk. Through a five-part blog series, … Read more
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 cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP leaves serious gaps. Substances like fentanyl, benzodiazepines (think Valium™), and many over-the-counter … Read more
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 accountability, and a workplace culture that supports both. Whether we like it or not, substance use will always … Read more
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 safety risk or something deeper?” That’s where the role of a Substance Use Expert (SUE) comes in. Some … Read more
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 a simple answer. While alcohol impairment testing has been widely accepted and standardized for decades, cannabis and other … Read more
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 and alcohol testing programs are not only effective, but fair, accurate, and legally defensible. That player? The Medical … Read more
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. Let’s continue the conversation about moving away from the vague and often unhelpful concept of “impairment” and focusing … Read more
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 often framed around impairment, but as I’ve discussed before, impairment is a subjective and emotionally charged term that … Read more
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 us has experienced some form of impairment—whether from alcohol, fatigue, stress, or other factors—which makes the word profoundly … Read more
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 hosting and workplace safety when alcohol or other substances are often a part of the festivities. For many … Read more
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 2018, its use for medical purposes has been in place for many years, I’ve had the opportunity to … Read more
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 treatment for SUD involves a structured process to ensure a successful and sustainable reintegration. This article explores the … Read more
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 is the implementation of oral fluid testing for THC. This article explores how to gain employer buy-in for … Read more
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 relevant to drug and alcohol testing in Canada and not related to the US Department of Transportation (US … Read more
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.”
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 your organization’s risks and liabilities. DO identify specific changes you’ve noticed and your concerns for their health and … Read more
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 substances by ‘creative clandestine chemists’. These situations present unique challenges for workplace policies, best addressed by a proactive … Read more
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 not a choice, a momentary lapse in morals, or a character flaw. It is a mental health disorder … Read more