WorkSafe clears the air over medicinal cannabis
WAFIC has received several queries recently from members about managing the use of medicinal cannabis in the workplace.
WorkSafe (WA) has released an information sheet on medicinal cannabis that includes the significant risks it poses in workplaces if not properly managed by operators of businesses and provided the following information.
The risks from workers taking medicinal cannabis can be managed along the same lines as for prescription medication that can cause impairment at work.
Medicinal cannabis has the potential to impair workers’ ability to drive, operate machinery and perform complex tasks safely, so business operators should consider the risks to the safety of the worker and that of other workers and people in the workplace.
Access to medicinal cannabis (by prescription only) was legalised by the Australian Government in 2016. The drug is regulated by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Medicinal cannabis is not a first-line therapy for any medical condition. Additionally, it is not available on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme. Most medicinal cannabis products have not been approved or registered by the TGA, which means that unlike regular prescription medications, they have not undergone rigorous TGA checks for safety, quality or efficacy.
Over 100 medicinal cannabis products are available in the form of pills, oils and herbal material that are taken orally, by mouth spray or vaporised. Despite its legal status , authorities do not support smoking of the product.
Medicinal cannabis may affect a person’s capacity to safely drive, operate machinery and perform complex tasks. The effect of the drug depends on the medical cannabis product, the dose and the route of administration.
Effects also vary according to the individual’s physiological makeup and experience with cannabinoid use. Known side effects of the drug include feeling tired, sleepy, dizzy, confused, nauseous, vomiting, increased or decreased appetite, dry mouth and diarrhoea. Ingested medicinal cannabis has an effect within 30-60 minutes that may persist for 8-24 hours.
It is recommended that business operators develop a policy and safety management systems that outline appropriate use and management, including:
- developing policy and procedures on managing the use of medicinal cannabis in the workplace in your SMS
- consulting with workers, and health and safety representatives and committees
- identifying roles and tasks where impairment may present a risk to work health and safety, including safety critical work
- providing a process for workers to confidentially notify management
- providing an assessment process, including medical advice on fitness for work
- conducting a risk assessment and modification of work tasks where required
- running an education and awareness program for workers, supervisors and management.
You can find more information here.