DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS AT WORK

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 2011-2016*

• 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

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

* Tiesman H, Konda S, Cimineri L, Castillo D [2019]. Drug overdose deaths at work, 2011-2016. Inj Prev.
https://doi.org/10.1136/injuryprev-2018-043104
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