Business

Workplace drug testing up

12:25 pm on 2 March 2012

Drug testing at workplaces has almost doubled.

The New Zealand Drug Detection Agency says about 52,000 tests were conducted last year, up on the 29,000 tests in 2010 - an increase of about 78% .

Alcohol tests rose to about 30,000, up on the 14,000 conducted in 2010.

The agency says the rise shows employers are more aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Some 8% of men and 6% of women tested positive for drugs last year.

The forestry, mining and construction sectors are some of the industries that test for drugs and alcohol.