Reporter: James Thomas

It's a game of cat and mouse.

Some get through, some don't. But, what's certain is if you drive a truck and take drugs - police have you in their sights.

Operation Austrans was conducted last week. A nationwide 3 day blitz combining the Roads & Traffic Authorities and police in a crack down on rogue truckies. Particularly, drivers on drugs.

“The driver is breath tested first. If that goes negative we then ask them to do a roadside drug test.”

Cannibis is the most common illegal drug used by Queensland drivers who fail random roadside drug tests.

Link to article:

Since it’s advent, roadside drug saliva testing has caught 630 Queensland motorists, or one in every 50, for illicit drug use. Cannibis was the drug most often detected followed by methamphetamine and ecstasy.

From 1 May 2010, tighter controls will apply to the availability of analgesic products containing codeine.

These changes will see products like Nurofen Plus, Panadeine, Panadeine Extra, and Aspalgin (as well as other equivalent brands) in smaller pack sizes and with smaller doses of codeine. Of most significance is that these products will no longer be available ‘off the shelf’ as a Pharmacy Medicine (S2), with products now scheduled as S3 (Pharmacist Only Medicines), requiring pharmacist consultation and recording of customer details prior to issue.

Christmas parties can be a disaster if there is excess alcohol and poor planning. Remember that each employer has a legal duty of care and this includes workplace arranged or sanctioned functions.

Before that party:

Make sure you have in place policies for harrassment and behaviour.

Let staff know what is unacceptable behaviour and that this can result in disciplinary action.

Plan for transport home. Consider a bus or two to get staff home safely.

Think about having a family day with activities. This will discourage excess drinking.

During the party:

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