Implementing workplace drug and alcohol testing can feel overwhelming. Especially when you’re balancing safety, compliance and keeping work moving. Many New Zealand businesses want to do the right thing but aren’t sure where to start, or whether their current approach is still relevant or fit for purpose.
That’s where training can makes a difference. When it’s done properly, it gives your team the confidence to test correctly, apply policies fairly and deal with issues early. In turn it helps by protecting people, productivity and your business.
How We Support You
Sober Check not only supplies drug and alcohol testing equipment, we also help and support you to use it.
We work alongside industry specialists to support businesses at every stage whether you’re:
- introducing drug and alcohol testing for the first time, or
- reviewing and strengthening an existing programme
Our training team can help you:
- understand impairment risk in your workplace
- develop or update drug and alcohol policies
- design clear testing and disciplinary procedures
- plan practical implementation that works on-site
All while supporting the New Zealand legislation and standards. Having well-designed and well-understood programme leads to safe teams, clearer expectations and smoother day to day operations which help minimise unnecessary cost or disruption.
Why Training Matters
Workplace testing is having the right equipment plus knowing it is being used consistently, correctly and with confidence.
The right training helps ensure:
- tests are carried out properly and fairly
- results are reliable and defensible
- staff administering tests feel confident and supported
- fewer errors, invalid results or retests
- your testing programme stands up to scrutiny if issues arise
Whether testing is managed in-house or supported by an external provider, trained staff play a critical role in maintain accuracy, consistency and trust.
In-House Testing vs Outsourced Testing
Some workplace choose to outsource testing, while others prefer to manage testing in-house.
In-House Testing can be a cost-effective option for organisations that test regularly, however it still requires:
- trained and competent staff
- clear, documented procedures
- a solid understanding of the relevant standards
Sober Check offers training to support both approaches, helping you choose what works best for your workplace.
URINE DRUG TESTING TRAINING
Urine drug testing must be carried out in accordance with the AS/NZS 4308 standard. Training supports collectors and screeners to follow correct procedures and maintain sample integrity.
We recommend in-house testers hold the appropriate NZQA unit standards:
- Unit Standard 25458 – Specimen collection
- Unit Standard 25511 – Screening
The current urine testing standard is AS/NZS 4308:2008 . The updated AS/NZS 4308:2023 has now been released with a 36 month transition period in place.
Learn more about urine testing training here.
ORAL FLUID (SALIVA) DRUG TESTING TRAINING
Oral fluid testing is commonly used for detecting recent drug use, particularly in safety sensitive roles. To carry out workplace oral fluid testing, staff should be trained and assessed against:
- Unit Standard 32327 – Perform oral fluid specimen collection
- Unit Standard 32328 – Perform oral fluid drug screening
Our oral fluid training covers:
- correct specimen collection
- screening procedure
- compliance with AS/NZS 4760:2019
This ensure testing is carried out consistently and results can be relied.
Learn more about oral fluid testing training here.
PRODUCT TRAINING
Even the best testing equipment is only effective if people know how to use it properly.
Sober Check offers exclusive online product training for a range of drug, alcohol and hydration testing devices supplied by us. Our practical training is designed based on day to day workplace use and is easy to follow.
Product training helps ensure:
- consistent testing across sites and shifts
- confidence for staff administering tests
- fewer errors and invalid results
- better understanding of test limitation and next steps
You can view the list of available product training modules here.
If the product you’re looking for isn’t listed, get in touch with the team. We may already be developing for it, or we can create training to suit your needs.
Why Choose Sober Check for Training
We’re not just here to sell testing equipment. We support from policy and training, through to product confidence and ongoing support.
With Sober Check you get:
- practical training designed for New Zealand workplaces
- training delivered by experience industry professionals
- support for confidence, consistency and compliance
- ongoing backup when questions arise
If you’re not sure where to start, or want to strengthen what you already have in place, get in touch with the team. Email training@sobercheck.co.nz or call 0800 700 777.