Drug Overdose Deaths at Work

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The number of drug overdose deaths at work is rising.

The top 3 industries with the highest numbers of drug overdose deaths at work from 2011-20161 are:

• Transportation & Warehousing 116 deaths
• Construction 114 deaths
• Healthcare & Social Assistance 96 deaths

What do we know about drug overdose deaths at work?

Most overdose deaths at work were from opioids

Opioids are drugs commonly used to reduce pain and can be prescribed or used without a medical reason. Other reasons include:

• Injuries
• Pain
• Job loss
• Stress

Workplace factors can influence the use of prescriptions and other substances

Examples: opioids prescribed for work-related back pain, and workers using substances to deal with work-related stress

What don't we know about drug overdose deaths at work?

• The circumstances for substance use.
• If the drug use was associated with work injury and pain.

Employers: You can take steps to prevent worker drug overdose

• Identify and remove workplace dangers.
• Protect workers who do physically demanding jobs from getting injured.
• Educate yourself on how you can support a worker with a substance use disorder.
• Educate employees on risks for substance use and overdose prevention.
• Consider implementing a program to make naloxone available in the workplace in the event of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Large employers

Provide training and encourage use of an employee assistance program, health plan, and other resources for treatment of substance use disorders.

Small employers

Work with your local health department for resources in your community.

Employer resources

National Safety Council Employer Toolkit:
nsc.org/work-safety/tools-resources/prescription-drug-employer-toolkit

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
uschamber.com/Americas-opioid-crisis

Learn more

• cdc.gov/niosh/topics/opioids
• cdc.gov/opioids

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