Prescribed medication a potential workplace hazard

New Zealand's leading workplace drug testing agency is calling for GPs to delve a bit deeper when prescribing drugs to patients to help reduce accidents in the workplace.

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) CEO Kirk Hardy says, "Doctors should consider asking patients a few more questions when prescribing medication. Many medications affect concentration and the ability to perform some tasks – with some even carrying a 'do not operate heavy machinery' caution. In this instance patients may then need to talk to their employer about a change of duty while they're on medication to help prevent accidents."

Mixing prescribed medication with 'recreational' drugs can also be a deadly mix in a workplace situation. "Again doctors should point out the risks of combining the two to patients, not only as potential risk to their health but also doing their job safely," he says.

"Employees on medication – prescribed or 'recreational' – are not only a potential risk to themselves but also other employees and visitors to their work."

Kirk is hoping that this issue will be addressed within the new Workplace Health and Safety Reform Bill due to be enacted early next year.

Andrew Schirnack, Partner in Auckland employment law firm LangtonHudsonButcher, says currently there is a positive obligation on all employees to be open, responsive and communicative in their dealings with their employer.  "That duty may extend to requiring them to disclose that they are on prescription or even some over-the-counter, medication, especially if they know it may impair their ability to work.  

"When you factor in the obligation under the new legislation for employees to ensure they take care to ensure their acts or omissions don’t harm others, and the potential for them to be prosecuted for failing to do so, you see that the law has (or will have) some real teeth in this area. This is a 'watch this space' issue for us.”

Kirk says that determining the potential workplace risk associated with medications labeled ‘do not operate heavy machinery’ is likely to become a tripartite dialogue between GP, employee and employer once the new legislation takes effect.

TDDA welcomes all moves towards helping create drug free environments, in both workplaces and the community, and Kirk is hoping that the new Workplace Health and Safety reform bill will contain some strong new measures to help achieve this.