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At STC, we believe that every aspect of safety is crucial to the overall success of a construction project. One issue that often gets overlooked in the overall talk of construction safety is substance abuse. Here’s everything that you need to know about the importance of remaining vigilant for signs of substance abuse and overdosing in the construction industry:

Why Substance Abuse is Common

Anyone who has ever worked a job in construction will tell you the same thing – the job is incredibly draining, both physically and mentally. In industries as taxing as this one, it’s common for workers to turn to substance abuse, whether it’s alcohol or illegal substances, to cope with stress and manage pain. Through the combination of long work days, work stress and sore muscles, it’s easy for a construction worker to think self-medicating is the solution.

Substance Abuse in Construction

Did you know that substance abuse in construction is nearly double the national average for other industries? It is estimated that around 15% of construction workers suffer from substance abuse disorders, meaning there is very likely someone on your crew who suffers from the same ailment. Alcohol abuse is the most common form of substance abuse in construction, but at the same time, nearly 12% of workers have reported using illicit drugs within the last month.

Recovery and Treatment

Substance abuse is not only a major health concern but also a huge hazard on the job site. As an employer, you cannot force someone to get the treatment they need, but you can remove them from your job site until they do so on their own accord. Being under the influence or experiencing withdrawal symptoms will ultimately increase the likelihood of mistakes, injury and even death. If a drug test comes back positive or you notice signs of substance abuse, it’s crucial that you talk with your employee about working with them to get proper treatment.

No matter how you choose to prevent substance abuse, STC is always here to help you make safety simple. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, instructor-led training and safety consulting services that will help build a safety culture around your business. Need more information on helping employees manage addiction on the job site? Let us help you today!

Photo Sourced from Getty Images: #1019216818