COVID-19 Pandemic Presents Heightened Drug Overdose Risks for US Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the increased risks of drug overdose among workers in the United States. Recent data released by the Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics reveals that individuals working in construction and extraction, food preparation, personal care, service, transportation, and material moving occupations were the most likely to die from drug overdoses during the pandemic.
Researchers from the CDC thoroughly analyzed drug overdose-related deaths among working-age US residents in 2020 across 46 states and New York City, specifically focusing on industries and occupations. Their findings indicate a concerning trend: the drug overdose death rate in the US in 2021 was 50% higher compared to 2019. The industries most affected by drug overdoses in 2020 included construction, accommodation and food services, other services (except public administration), management, administrative, waste services, mining, arts, entertainment, recreation, and transportation and warehousing.
Furthermore, the report highlights specific occupations that were particularly vulnerable to drug overdose fatalities. Fishermen, sailors, roofers, drywall workers, ceiling tile installers, and conservation personnel were among the occupations most affected during that year.
One crucial factor contributing to the higher drug overdose rates in certain occupations or industries is the increased use of prescription opioids among workers injured on the job. For instance, construction workers were found to be four times more likely to die from drug overdoses than the general population.
Andrea Steege, one of the authors of the report and a lead research health scientist in the Health Informatics Branch of the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Division of Field Studies, explains that this finding aligns with a previous CDC study that showed higher mortality ratios due to drug overdoses among construction workers compared to other occupations.
The report emphasizes that various factors play a role in the risk of drug overdose mortality depending on occupation or industry. Differences in workplace injuries, work-related psychosocial stress, precarious employment, employer-provided health insurance status, and access to paid sick leave all contribute to these disparities.
In terms of the drugs contributing to fatal overdoses, the report identifies heroin, natural and semisynthetic opioids, methadone, synthetic opioids other than methadone, cocaine, and psychostimulants with abuse potential as the most commonly used substances. In 2020, 64% of drug overdose cases in usual occupations and industries involved synthetic opioids other than methadone.
The report paints a sobering picture of the impact of drug overdoses on US workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the importance of implementing interventions and policies to address the underlying factors that contribute to these vulnerabilities within specific occupations and industries.
The findings should prompt a comprehensive approach to workplace safety, health, and support for those battling drug addiction. By prioritizing the well-being of workers and addressing the unique challenges they face, steps can be taken to mitigate the risks of drug overdoses and protect the lives of those most affected.
Contact:
Kayla Jimenez
Email: kjimenez@usatoday.com
Follow on X, formerly Twitter: @kaylajjimenez
