Overdose Deaths in Construction: A Crisis Demanding Action

This is a guest blog written by Dana Bear, Director of Strategy & Partnerships for Mental Health America Lakeshore. 

In 2020, the United States witnessed over 250 drug-related deaths every day, with construction workers bearing a disproportionately heavy burden. Despite representing only about 7% of the workforce, construction workers accounted for 15% of all workplace overdose deaths. This crisis demands urgent attention and concerted efforts to understand its roots and implement effective solutions.

Understanding the Crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. experienced some of its deadliest months on record for opioid overdoses. Among all occupations, construction workers faced the highest rate of overdose deaths, including those from heroin. Several factors contribute to their vulnerability:
 

• Physical Demands: Construction work is inherently physically demanding, often resulting in injuries and chronic pain. Faced with these challenges, workers may turn to opioids for pain management.
• Stress and Long Hours: The construction industry's demanding schedules and high-stress environment further exacerbate the likelihood of substance use among workers.
• Lack of Education: Many workers lack awareness of the risks associated with opioids and viable alternatives for pain management. This gap in knowledge leaves them susceptible to the dangers of substance misuse.

Proposed Positive Actions

Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach:

Education and Prevention: Implement mandatory training programs on substance abuse prevention and raise awareness about the dangers of opioids through campaigns.
 

• Access to Treatment: Ensure construction workers have access to affordable healthcare, including addiction treatment, and provide telehealth options for counseling and support.
• Safer Pain Management: Promote non-opioid pain management options and monitor opioid prescriptions to prevent misuse.
• Supportive Work Environment: Provide mental health resources, reduce stigma, and address stress by offering flexible schedules.
• Utilize Resources: Leverage organizations like the National Safety Council, SAMHSA, and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention for support and guidance.

What Employers Can Do to Help

Employers play a crucial role in helping to support workers struggling with addiction:
 

• Substance Misuse Policies: Establish clear workplace policies regarding substance use, educate employees on these policies, and enforce penalties for violations.
• Recognize Substance Misuse as a Health Issue: Try to avoid stigmatization, acknowledge legal substances, and provide education and prevention programs.
• Access to Treatment and Support: If possible, offer Employee Assistance Programs, work to ensure healthcare coverage for addiction treatment, and provide peer coaching.
• Create a Supportive Work Environment: Offer mental health resources, address stressors, and encourage open communication and empathy.

Help to Reduce Stigma

Employers can further promote a supportive environment through:
 

• Neutral Language and Person-First Framing: Use neutral science-based language to reduce negative associations when discussing addiction.
• Education and Awareness: Include substance use education in workplace communications and promote open conversations about addiction.
• Supportive Policies and Programs: Offer confidential counseling services, ensure healthcare coverage for addiction treatment, and create peer support networks.
• Create a Supportive Work Environment: Provide mental health resources, address stressors, and encourage open communication and empathy.

By addressing the stigma surrounding addiction and implementing supportive policies and programs, employers can create environments where compassion and understanding prevail, benefiting employees and the workplace. Let's work together to save lives and create a safer construction industry.

Sources: 

resources.workable.com

previsorinsurance.com

addictioncenter.com

edgewoodhealthnetwork.com

cdc.gov

dol.gov

health.harvard.edu