The Iron Ore Company of Canada will require drug testing for all new employees at its mine near Labrador City, western Labrador, beginning in January.

The company said there is no plan to screen current employees but they will test workers if the company suspects an employee is abusing drugs.

The new policy aims to create a safer work environment, IOC spokesperson Michel Filion said.

"We hear that it is a growing issue in the community and have to admit that employees are asking us to solve a problem which seems to be in the workplace," said Filion.

He said employees have brought concerns to management about some co-workers abusing drugs on the job.