Fentanyl increasing in usage and needs to be address in workplace drug testing

Is Fentanyl in the Australian Workplace?

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used for severe pain management. It is available in two main forms:

  • Pharmaceutical fentanyl – legally prescribed in Australia (patches, lozenges, injections).

  • Illicitly manufactured fentanyl (IMF) – produced illegally, often mixed with other drugs.

Even tiny amounts of fentanyl can be life-threatening, which is why its presence in the workplace and community is a growing concern.

Fentanyl in the United States – A Warning for Australia

The fentanyl crisis in the US began in the early 2010s, escalating into what experts now call mass poisoning. By 2015, fentanyl was responsible for hundreds of deaths annually in Ohio alone.

Key drivers included:

  • Abuse of prescribed fentanyl patches

  • Cheap, illicit imports from overseas labs

  • High profitability – fentanyl is up to 50 times cheaper to produce than heroin with similar potency

The US experience shows how quickly fentanyl can dominate drug markets and endanger communities.

Is Fentanyl in Australia?

Yes. While not yet at US levels, fentanyl abuse is increasing in Australia.

  • 2020 warnings – Authorities flagged fentanyl’s presence in overdose deaths.

  • Hidden danger – It is often mixed with heroin, amphetamines, or cocaine.

  • High risk – Fentanyl is stronger and cheaper than other opioids, making it attractive to drug dealers but devastating for users.

This poses serious challenges for workplace safety, as employees may unknowingly consume fentanyl-laced substances.

Recent Trends & New Dangers (2023–2025)

Fresh data highlights why fentanyl must be taken seriously in Australia:

  • Drug deaths – In 2023, Australia recorded 2,272 drug-induced deaths, with 78% unintentional – nearly equal to the national road toll.

  • Opioid impact – Almost half of overdoses (49.3%) involved opioids.

  • Fentanyl deaths – From 2001–2021, there were 833 overdose deaths from fentanyl. A 2023 seizure of 11 kg of fentanyl in Melbourne showed the growing scale of the problem.

  • Non-medical use – 5.9% of Australians who used pain relievers non-medically reported fentanyl use in the last year.

  • Beyond fentanyl – New synthetic opioids like nitazenes (up to 10x stronger than fentanyl) are appearing in Australia, linked to dozens of deaths.

Why Fentanyl Testing Matters in the Workplace

Workplace drug testing is a key defence against fentanyl-related risks. Employers in safety-sensitive industries(construction, mining, transport, manufacturing) need to act proactively.

Effective strategies include:

  • Awareness programs – educating staff about fentanyl’s risks

  • Workplace drug testing – including fentanyl in test panels

  • Confirmatory testing – all presumptive positives verified by accredited labs

Maxi Clear 15 – Fentanyl Workplace Drug Test Kit

At Medinat, we provide the Maxi Clear 15 Drug Urine Test Cup – a trusted solution for workplace testing.

  • Detects 15 drugs of abuse, including fentanyl

  • Includes 6 adulterant checks (oxidants, pH, nitrite, creatinine, specific gravity, glutaraldehyde)

  • Australian Standard AS/NZS 4308 compliant

  • Results in minutes for fast, reliable workplace screening

Adding fentanyl to workplace testing helps employers meet duty of care obligations and reduce safety risks.

Support Services

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, contact:

  • – 1800 250 015 (24/7 confidential support)

Workplace Fentanyl Testing Solutions

Medinat supports organisations with:

  • Australian Standard drug test kits

  • Policy guidance for HR & Safety Officers

  • Fentanyl-inclusive testing solutions

  • Contact Medinat today to learn how we can help protect your workplace.

Back to blog