Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Drugs

  • NYC focus on construction worker ODs highlights an epidemic

    NYC focus on construction worker ODs highlights an epidemic

    The Big Apple has become the ‘Big Chill’ for construction workers caught up in drug addiction. Overdose deaths in New York in the construction sector have soared to unheard-of levels, and officials are taking action to stop the epidemic.

    NYC construction workers lead occupational groups in overdose deaths

    In late October 2023, following shocking survey results, New York City officials announced a plan to connect with construction workers to reduce drug overdose deaths.

    New York’s Health and Buildings departments have implemented two methods to reduce OD-related deaths:

    1. Informing the city’s construction sector about the dangers associated with substance abuse.
    2. Providing construction workers with resources to prevent fatal overdoses.

    Staff from both departments are visiting construction sites to talk about substance abuse and the dangers of street drugs.

    According to data from the New York City Health Department, at least 269 construction workers died of an overdose in 2020—the most of any occupation considered in the analysis.

    A separate 2018 analysis done by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) came to similar conclusions: “Construction occupations had the highest proportional mortality rates for drug overdose deaths and for both heroin-related and prescription opioid-related deaths.”

    Overdoses by the numbers

    About 15% of US construction workers have a substance abuse disorder compared to 8.6% of the general population.

    • 2% have an alcohol use disorder compared to 7.5% nationally
    • 16.5% of construction workers report heavy alcohol consumption within the previous month
    • 11.6% of construction workers reported illicit drug use within the previous month
    • 14.3% of construction workers were diagnosed with a substance use disorder in the past year
    • 2.3% have a marijuana use disorder

    About 1.3% of construction workers have an opioid use disorder, almost twice the national average. And nearly 3 out of 4 injured construction workers were prescribed a narcotic for pain relief in 2016.

    Opioids account for nearly 20% of the total spending on prescription drugs in the construction industry—higher than any other industry, according to a report published by CNA Financial. 

    But the statistics don’t improve from here.

    • Construction workers are seven times more likely to die of an opioid overdose than workers in any other industry
    • Construction workers have the highest percentage of heroin-related overdose deaths
    • Construction workers represent roughly 25% of fatal opioid overdoses among workers in all industries 

    Changing construction culture

    NYC politicians prompted publicity on drug overdoses in the industry, but it points to a larger issue in construction: a culture that celebrates hard work and a good work ethic but also where substance abuse (drugs, tobacco, alcohol) runs rampant.

    A November 2020 study published in Drug Alcohol Review stated that one in six construction workers reported workmates being visibly affected by alcohol on the job. Prevalence for risky drinking in construction was higher than the national average, especially for workers 25 and under and for middle-aged workers 45 to 54. 

    The solution: Tailoring educational programs to at-risk age demographics can help increase awareness of risks to workplace safety. But it’s also on companies to adopt workplace norms that inhibit the social acceptability of risky behavior on the job.

    Drug testing employees is a common practice in many companies to ensure employee safety.  Instituting a drug testing policy could not only save a company from potential lawsuits resulting from workplace injuries, but it could also save lives. 

    An article published in OHS Online on drug testing in the workplace backs its implementation. A survey of companies with high workers’ compensation incidence rates reported a drop in those rates from 14% to 6% following the implementation of drug testing programs.

    Getting rid of the stigma associated with mental health and addiction can also go a long way to improving outcomes for construction workers. But all of this must be done alongside enforcing “no alcohol and drugs” in the workplace. 

    Signs of drug or alcohol abuse in workers are generally not obvious. Whether you’re a CEO or someone at the bottom of the chain, know the signs—it could save a life. 

  • Cutting down on cannabis use on job sites

    Cutting down on cannabis use on job sites

    Cannabis is legal in many states, and its use by construction workers is at an all-time high. Random drug tests, open communication, regular safety meetings, and access to resources are simple ways to maintain a cannabis-free job site. 

    Cannabis use and workplace safety

    Cannabis use will likely never be eliminated entirely from the construction industry, but companies can take precautionary steps to mitigate risks. 

    Vigilance is key when trying to reduce cannabis use, as is regular drug testing. Having the proper chain of custody of drug tests (keeping them in trusted and reliable hands after the test) is also important because people will cheat on the tests. 

    Having a cannabis-free worksite creates a more sober project, with fewer unproductive work hours, fewer mistakes, and fewer accidents. Creating such an environment requires presence of mind, a proactive approach, and a plan of action that is followed.

    Here are 7 ‘rules’ to follow to ensure your workplace remains drug-free.

    7 steps to reduce workplace cannabis use

    1. Implement random drug tests.

    It’s tough to beat a drug test if you don’t see it coming, so periodically, randomly choose a few employees and conduct a drug test. It’s also important to ensure employees know the repercussions of being under the influence at work.

    2. Use several types of cannabis tests

    Swapping tests isn’t uncommon, which is why urine tests for cannabis shouldn’t be the only tests used. 

    Swab tests are tougher to cheat on since the test is performed with others present. Still, allowing tests to be switched or tampered with will effectively nullify the point of the tests—to discourage and spot workers’ cannabis use.

    3. Encourage open lines of communication

    Snitching is typically frowned upon, but if it saves a life, it’s worth it. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job site doesn’t only endanger the worker’s life—it also endangers the lives of everyone around. 

    If you know someone on your job site is under the influence, let someone know. Preventing drug-related accidents through open communication and awareness will also decrease the chance of job site shutdowns due to OSHA investigations.

    4. Raise awareness

    Regular safety meetings shouldn’t just be about machine operation safety—drug safety should also be included. Sober workers are safer workers.

    5. Ensure access to resources

    Employees should have equal access to health and mental health resources—therapists, addiction programs, health professionals, insurance coverage, etc. 

    6. Encourage guidance

    Speaking from experience is one of the best ways to show support. If there are recovered addicts on your job site, encourage them to speak up and help others. People in recovery know the signs of addiction and may be the first to spot workers struggling with similar problems. 

    7. Implement strict drug-use policies

    Alcohol and drug policies are a must, and a zero-tolerance policy should be implemented and upheld—a lack of enforcement or consistency is grounds for trouble. 

    When it comes to curbing cannabis use in the construction industry, having a clear plan of action is imperative. Stick by the company’s established rules and issue warnings to workers who are caught under the influence. And if needed, hand them a pink slip if they cannot comply.