A disturbing snapshot today of just how many Australians are heading in to work while under the influence of drugs.
A new poll released by the Australian Drug Foundation shows in some states around the country approximately 10% of the workforce had either taken a day off and/or gone to work feeling the effects of their drug use.
Head of Workplace Services at the Drug Foundation, Phillip Collins, says it's coming at quite a cost to businesses.
Drugs and alcohol cost Australian businesses $6 billion a year in lost productivity and absenteeism alone. Then there's the serious health and safety risks in the workplace, particularly where employees operate machinery or drive vehicles.
With cannabis the most commonly used illicit drug in the country, a recent survey found more than 20 per cent of 18-29 year olds had used pot in the past 12 months.
