CDC: Drug Overdose Deaths Highest in Construction
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction, extraction (mining, oil, and gas extraction), and healthcare are the occupation groups with the highest proportional mortality rates from methadone, natural and semisynthetic opioids, and synthetic opioids other than methadone. The study is based on data from 21 states participating in the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance system from 2007-2012. CDC researchers identified 57,810 drug overdose deaths overall within the study population. "A single on-the-job injury (e.g., fracture or dislocation) or chronic work-related pain (e.g., caused by repetitive motion or lifting) might result in a prescription for pain medication," says the CDC. "Workplace-specific programs and policies to reduce the impact of the opioid epidemic can be implemented."