Keeping drugs out of the workplace – Drager DrugCheck

The illegal trade in and manufacture of drugs represent enormous factors in the global economy and crime statistics world-wide. The number of people harmed is constantly growing as the average age of users decreases and the age of first time users falls. Nevertheless, drug abuse is a phenomenon which can be observed among both 50-year-olds and 15-year-olds. The earlier the abuse is discovered and the sooner countermeasures such as prevention and controlling are taken, the greater the chance of recovery. Drugs may be ingested, inhaled or injected. After entering the bloodstream, they are rapidly metabolized via various pathways. Because of a person’s changed perception and impaired response time when under the influence of drugs, the slightest mistake in, for example, a hazardous workplace setting or even during a very short drive can prove a high risk and have life-long consequences. Even so-called “soft” drugs such as cannabinoids can have a dangerous effect on persons operating machines or driving vehicles.