Drugged track workers off the rails

[WantDaChronic]

RAILCORP is in the grip of a workplace drugs epidemic, with soaring rates of ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamine use detected among track workers in random tests.

 

One in 13 contract employees working in critical safety roles on lines failed drugs tests this year, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

 

The shock rate of drug use is five times higher than positive detections among RailCorp's full-time employees on stations and trains.

 

Detection of "drugs of abuse" has rocketed from one in 18 contract workers in 2005/06 to one in 13 this year, according to 351 test results which were obtained by way of Freedom of Information.

 

RailCorp's own employees fail at a rate of less than one in 50.

 

Random urine tests have detected the presence of methylamphetamines (speed), MDMA (ecstasy) and opiates (heroin) as well as marijuana. The rising tide of illegal substance use among trackworkers has raised fears, not only for the safety of crews, but puts a question mark over the safety and standard of rail infrastructure across NSW.

 

RailCorp has spent millions over the past five years implementing safety recommendations from the Glenbrook and Waterfall accident inquiries.

 

Since downsizing its inhouse trackwork crews in 2004, RailCorp spends about $200 million each year on contract labour.

 

The rail operator currently has 229 individual companies listed on its books and these have been supplying everything from engineers to labourers.

 

Last year trackwork crews laid 85,000 new concrete sleepers and

30,000 new timber sleepers, reconstructed more than 50km of track and resurfaced more than 650km of track.

 

The Independent Transport Safety and Reliability Regulator said employers have to issue rail safety workers with certificates to prove they are of good health and fitness and a fit and proper person.

 

Rail unions last night said the fragmentation of the infrastructure work force has left the system open to employing and re-employing undesirable workers.

 

RailCorp denied drug takers were allowed back on the tracks by switching hire companies.

 

"(Drug users) are removed from their work, their service is terminated, and their authority to work (certificate) withdrawn," human resources general manager Fran Simons said.

 

"RailCorp will not reissue a certificate to an individual who has failed to comply with standards, and without the certificate they cannot work for RailCorp."

 

RailCorp protocol insists that workers are inducted into its zero-tolerance drugs policy at "kick-off" meetings.

 

"The contractor must attend a kick-off meeting . . . RailCorp's representative must provide the initial OH&S induction to the contractor's nominated key personnel".

 

Ms Simons said there was no difference in the approach and enforcement of drugs policy between contract workers and RailCorp's staff."

 

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Nick Lewocki said he raised concerns of contract labour with CityRail this year.

 

"We know there is a huge labour shortage and we know there is more backpackers and other less stable employees working, " he said.

Source: www.news.com.au

 

having a zero tolerance policy is a bit strict, but i suppose if they fuck up it puts lives at risk

[SukonmiSkunk]

Detection of "drugs of abuse" has rocketed from one in 18 contract workers in 2005/06 to one in 13 this year, according to 351 test results which were obtained by way of Freedom of Information.

 

umm i might be a little stoopid.. it is early in the morning.. but since when has medical test been available in the "freedom" of information act... arent they supposed to be private... ???

[WantDaChronic]

umm i might be a little stoopid.. it is early in the morning.. but since when has medical test been available in the "freedom" of information act... arent they supposed to be private... ???

you'd think that would be the case, but i imagine that the results were given over on the basis of the people remaining anonymous so they could only use the numbers for statistics

[WantDaChronic]

THE RailCorp drugs scandal has deepened with the emergence of internet videos showing drunk NSW rail workers apparently smoking drugs while in uniform.

 

One YouTube video depicts an inebriated man holding up a bottle of whiskey saying: “RailCorp's proud sponsor, Jack Daniels No.7 Tennessee Whiskey.”

 

“That's what helps us through these hard times at work, right there,” he tells the camera.

 

Another video shot in a motel room is titled, A weekend away at Ashfield for work.

 

The pair record each other smoking a hash pipe in the bathroom.

 

At one point, a man holding the pipe turns around asking: “Is that the boss (at the door)?”

 

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union confirmed the men in the video were rail infrastructure workers, likely to be contract workers.

 

RailCorp is investigating the matter through its Workplace Conduct Unit.

Source: www.news.com.au

 

i couldnt be bothered looking for the clips as i have to head out soon, but i thought this story deserved to be updated none the less

[s4l]

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Nick Lewocki said he raised concerns of contract labour with CityRail this year.

 

"We know there is a huge labour shortage and we know there is more backpackers and other less stable employees working, " he said.

 

Backpackers working for CityRail? Wonder if they do an identity check or somthin.