July 23, 2025

Workplace Drug Use Costs Australian Businesses Billions — Here's a Smarter, Safer Way to Act Early

Illicit drug use in Australian workplaces isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a $5.1 billion problem. TouchBio’s discreet drug testing kits offer a proactive path forward.

As substance use and mental health issues quietly grow in Australia’s workforce, many businesses are struggling to keep their people and performance on track.

According to the latest figures, one in nine workers admitted to being under the influence of illicit drugs while at work in the past year. That figure climbs to nearly one in five when considering overall employee drug use, surpassing even the general population.

This trend doesn’t just affect individuals, it costs Australian employers billions in lost productivity, safety incidents, and absenteeism each year.

For high-risk industries like construction, transport, hospitality, and finance, the stakes are even higher.

Why Early Workplace Drug Intervention Matters

Workplace drug use is often a symptom of deeper issues—stress, burnout, or undiagnosed mental health concerns.

Traditional approaches like post-incident drug testing are reactive, often too late to prevent harm.

That’s where early, voluntary intervention can make a real difference.

Providing employees with private, at-home or on-site testing options empowers them to take control before risks escalate—no shame, no disruption, just smart support.

Introducing TouchBio’s Saliva and Urine Drug Screening Kits

To meet this growing need, Touch Biotechnology, Australia’s #1 Self-Testing Brand* has developed a range of portable, non-invasive drug test kits designed for real-world workplaces.

These screening kits:

Detects up to six common illicit substances, including methamphetamine, opioids, cannabis, MDMA, and cocaine.
Provide results in minutes, with a 72-hour detection window for saliva and up to 30 days for urine.
Are easy to use, requiring no lab equipment or professional collection.
Support early, discreet self-checks—ideal for on-site teams or office employees.

“When employees have access to private self-testing tools, it gives them a moment to pause, check in, and take control—without fear or embarrassment,” says Matthew Salihi, CEO of Touch Biotechnology.

The Real Cost of Inaction

The economic burden is clear:

$3.6 billion/year lost to alcohol-related absenteeism.
$1.5 billion/year from illicit drug use.
Up to 30% of road fatalities involve drug-impaired driving.

These aren’t just statistics—they’re missed deadlines, preventable injuries, and lives affected. And for frontline industries, the impact is even more immediate and personal.

From Punitive to Preventive: A Culture of Care

Research shows that punitive testing doesn’t drive long-term change.

Instead, a health-first approach; combining education, early screening, brief interventions, and psychological safety is far more effective.

With illicit drug use nearly three times higher among workers with high psychological distress, workplaces must foster environments that encourage self-awareness and support without stigma.

“Traditional testing happens after an incident—when it’s too late,” adds Salihi. “Self-testing lets people check in with themselves early—so they can act before a bad day becomes a bigger problem.”

Available Nationwide

TouchBio’s full range of drug screening kits—including the 3 Multi Saliva Test and 6 Multi Saliva & Urine Kits—are available through:

Authorised wholesalers
Pharmacies and retail stores
Online at TouchBio Website

Take Action This Year

Whether you’re leading a construction crew, managing a transport fleet, or supporting corporate teams, prevention starts with giving people the tools to help themselves.

Because when testing is embedded in a culture of care, not punishment, that’s when real change happens.

About Touch Biotechnology

Founded in 2020 in Sydney, Touch Biotechnology is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of self-testing kits, diagnostic tools, and hygiene solutions. Committed to social responsibility, its mission is to create accessible health technologies that support safer, healthier communities.

*IQVIA™ Total Australian Data, Test Kits Category, Pharmacy, Value Sales, 52 weeks period to 10th May 2025.