Construction Death's from overdose/suicide related to Opioids is 147 per 100,000 workers. Falls, listed as the leading cause at 360 per year.

Maybe, we should take a professional view of this crisis as apposed to an unprofessional one.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids were involved in 42,249 overdose deaths in 2016, accounting for 66% of all overdose deaths. This is five times the number that occurred in 1999. 

 26% of all deaths are construction workers, 77% higher than the national average.

 The Challenge we face:

Construction worker want to get back to work to provide for their families however in some cases they are using opioids to suppress the pain so that they can do their jobs. This can lead to dependency on Opioids to manage the pain. This is impacting the job, worker and families they return home to.

 Solutions: (Some)

 Health care providers can be vigilant in using other types of pain management.

 Employers & Insurance cariers can have both a short- and long-term approach.

 Short term:

1) Be a great listener & remember to keep information confidential. (Unless a law is broken)

2) Design program’s that point workers in the right direction like Stand-downs, PTP’s, signs, Lunch & learns or workshops.

 Long term:

1) Using ergonomic efficient tools.

2) Planning ahead to reduce Lower back injuries.

3) Focus on assistance & rehabilitation rather than the punishment.

 Falls in the construction industry are the leading cause of death at 360 per year and a great deal of energy is generated to reduce these deaths.

Construction workers death from overdose related to an existing injury & Suicide related to the chemical dependency may be 150 deaths per 100,000 workers.

Story By Darrell L Fullerton based on BLS 2016.

 Similar article:

www.assp.org/news-and-articles/2018/08/28/national-crisis-opioid-abuse-in-the-construction-industry