Authorities are conducting a series of random methamphetamine tests among Port Otago workers, as at least five persons operating heavy machinery were found positive for use of the drug at south east New Zealand’s port in the last three months.
All of the staff have been dismissed as a result, while the company has initiated drug tests, randomly testing about one staff member per day.
These are team members driving 60-tonne straddles. Their levels have been impaired. Driving a 60-tonne machine, taking a Class A drug, clearly that is serious misconduct,
…Chief executive Kevin Winders was quoted as saying by Otago Daily Times.
All of the company’s 325 employees could be randomly tested, but infringements tended to occur at the container area at Port Chalmers, Dunedin, where about 150 people worked.
Port Otago is set to kick off a campaign to raise awareness over the alarming issue, while it plans to review its drug and alcohol policy, Mr. Winders also informed.
