Drug testing in workplace urged

THE director of one of the country’s largest addiction treatment centres has called for drug-testing in the workplace to combat spiralling drug abuse.

Health and safety in the workplace outweighs civil liberties concerns, according to Stephen Rowan, director of the Rutland Centre.

Mr Rowan, who is to address a conference, Creating a Drug Free Workplace, on Thursday, said research has shown workers who are dependent on chemical drugs claim three times as many sickness benefits and file five times as many workers’ compensation claims.