The BC Coroners service reports that 83 per cent of fatal overdose victims are male, and 75 per cent are aged 30 to 59. In an industry where 90% of the workforce is male (as per BC construction association), it is not surprising this epidemic is impacting this industry.
As of August 2017, Fraser Health has reported 335 illicit drug related deaths this years. With officials warning a disproportionate number of those are working-age men employed in the trades. This demographic is also the least likely to seek help for a substance use disorder.
Dr. Victoria Lee of Fraser Health stated men who are injured on the job may be ensnared into dependence on illicit substances after being prescribed pain medication.
Although majority of overdoses occur off the job site, this epidemic is impacting a workforce supply that is already stretched thin.
If presented with an overdose on the job site or on the weekend are your workers trained on how to respond? Naloxone saves lives and knowledge of how to use it could help prevent further deaths in this industry
Link to Free Naloxone Training
Upon completion of this training, a completion certificate will be provided to download and save. This completion certificate can then be shown to an attendant when you are at an approved site to receive your kit.
Sources:
CBC news
Vancouver Sun