For years, the problem with drug addiction in the United States has been growing. From the opioid crisis to a recreational drugs issue that is growing in the background, our country is a nation with some tough questions to ask about how it handles the use and management of drugs. This is no different in the workplace, and it shows why construction firms and labor unions across Massachusetts decided to hold work stoppages at various project sites.

This took place in a bid to raise awareness about the rising level of opioid overdoses happening in the workplace. this has become a major problem, something that several groups – including the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts – have recognised. CEO Robert Petrucelli said that the industry was not aware of just how severe the problem was until recent studies made the issue clearer than ever.

Indeed, it found that construction workers made up around one quarter of all opioid overdose deaths from 2011-2015 in this state. Workers in the industry are also a whopping 6x more likely to overdose than others, making it clear that something has to be done. While deaths in the state due to opioid overdose are falling, construction worker deaths are still too high.

When asked about it, Petrucelli said: “It was eye popping. It was clear we had to do something. No one talks about this, but it permeates our industry.”

Making moves to bring an end to the problem

However, it’s good to see that the trade group have partnered with the Boston Medical Center’s Grayken Center in a bid to find a solution to the issue. They want to help build an opioid safety program that can be put into companies, helping them to allow their staff to get support instead of feeling the fear of stigma.

It would provide useful information and advice to staff on how to handle and confront their use of opioids. It would also help to recognise signs and symptoms of addiction in themselves, and in their colleagues. Also, it breaks down things like local resources for treatment, and even what to do in the event of an overdose taking place. Various different labour unions across the state are taking the same kind of action.

Other programs made to help benefit those in need include that of the Massachusetts Laborers’ Benefit Funds program that was set up to help bring works with substance abuse treatment together. Indeed, this has seemingly helped around 130 members since it was set up in October 2018. More work, though, is needed to help make sure that the back bone of the Massachusetts economy can find their way back into work and to get the help they need.

Citation

https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2019/06/05/work-stoppage-construction-workers-opioids