A disturbing study recently published by the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research at the NYU College of Global Public Health (2019) reports that “construction workers are the most likely of all professions to use cocaine and misuse prescription opioids. The construction, mining, and extraction industries are among the largest sectors in the U.S. and the hazards of these jobs, including falls, injuries from overexertion, and being struck by or caught in heavy machinery, result in high injury and fatality rates.” Other construction injuries may include electric shock and arc blast, failure to use proper protective equipment, and repetitive motion injuries (OSHA). Additionally, the study’s lead author Danielle Ompad, associate professor of epidemiology at NYU College of Global Public Health, states, “Construction workers are at an increased risk for drug use, which makes them vulnerable to work-related injuries or even overdose deaths.” 

Participants in the study were asked about their employment and workplace drug policies, as well as about their use of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and opioids for nonmedical reasons (taking opioids not prescribed to them or taking them only for the experience of getting high.) The researchers found:

• Compared to all other professions, construction workers had the highest prevalence of misusing prescription opioids (3.4 percent vs. 2 percent) and cocaine use (1.8 percent vs. 0.8 percent). 
• Having unstable work or missing work was linked to being more likely to use drugs. Construction workers who were unemployed for a week or working for three or more employers were more likely to use marijuana or misuse prescription opioids. The more missed days of work due to illness or injury were associated with increasing the odds of opioid misuse.

Costs of Opioid Use Disorder in The Workplace

With the growing awareness that the construction, mining, and extraction industries are in the top tier of professions with the highest risk of opioid misuse, what are the costs behind this alarming trend? According to The National Safety Council (NSC), “employers face significant healthcare costs associated with opioid misuse and dependence, including disability payments and contributions to health insurance plans for their employees. Compared to the general working population, people with opioid use disorders spend five times as many days in the hospital each year and are 4.5 times more likely to visit the emergency room.” Additional statistics from the NSC found:

• The average person who misuses opioids has annual direct healthcare costs that are 8.7 times higher than those of a non-user due in large part to higher premiums. 
• Lost productivity due to prescription drug misuse in the United States varies from $25.6 billion to $53.4 billion. 
• Worker productivity is affected by prescription drug misuse or prescription medication use disorders because of more frequent job turnover, absenteeism, and presenteeism.

Workplace Drug Policies and What Employers Need To Know

The final thoughts of the NYU College of Global Public Health study included, “In the high-risk settings of construction work, where safely handling hazardous equipment is critical for reducing harms for workers, drug testing, and other workplace substance use policies may play a role in protecting workers. However, not all marijuana and opioid use is problematic, and drug testing cannot distinguish recreational use from medical use.” With this knowledge, what can companies do to balance strict drug workplace policies and protect employees from harm without reducing job opportunities for those with a substance use disorder in these industries?  

Ompad suggests, “Coupled with reports of high overdose mortality among construction workers, our findings suggest that prevention and harm reduction programming is needed to prevent drug-related risks and mortality among this population.” Some effective ways employers are trying to protect and prevent workers from occupational harm, support those with a prescription drug addiction, as well as reduce potential overdoses include: 

• Offering prevention and harm reduction educational workshops and resources. 
• Frequently practicing safety training skills on-site to help construction workers (and similar high-risk industries) enforce the safety rules and prevent injury. 
• Provide opioid blocker Narcan on worksites in case workers overdose.
• Offer alternative drug treatment programs instead of termination, making it easier for employees to admit they have a problem, reduce stigma, and get the treatment they need. It has been shown that when employers support drug rehab, detox, and post-rehab programs, it motivates workers to commit to their sobriety, and the company has an opportunity to keep a valued employee. 

If you or someone you know is in the depths of opioid addiction,The Kimberly Center is ready to assist you in a new way of living. Successful recovery encompasses improvements in self-esteem, vocational productivity, and interpersonal relationships, and our unique treatment program addresses each of these goals to help you live a healthier life in sobriety. By learning who you are without drugs and alcohol in your system, you can see how full life can be in recovery. Call us today at  855-4-KCENTER (855-452-3683).