The construction and extraction industries have the highest fatality rates among major occupational groups, with construction reporting 162.6 deaths per 100,000 workers. According to feature article, “Reversing Opioid Overdoses in Construction: A Jobsite Imperative,” by Cal Beyer, this sector also leads in death rates among specific occupations, attributed to factors such as high injury rates, opioid prescriptions for pain management, and insufficient paid time off for recovery.
In August 2023, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reported the first data highlighting substance overdose rates by occupation and industry level.
The ongoing opioid crisis, now in its third decade, began with overprescribing and has shifted to increased heroin use and, more recently, the rise of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This transition has resulted in a sharp increase in overdose deaths across the United States. To combat this, naloxone has been deployed by public safety and harm reduction organizations as a critical tool for reversing overdoses.
Equipping workplaces and job sites with naloxone, along with training employees to recognize and respond to overdose signs, is essential. Having naloxone readily available and trained individuals on-site can significantly reduce the risk of overdose fatalities, making it a vital strategy for improving safety in high-risk environments.
Reference
Beyer C. (2024) Reversing Opioid Overdoses: A Jobsite Imperative. CMFAbponline.com (accessed October 28, 2024).