Construction, Food Workers Most Likely to Die From Overdoses: CDC

Construction and restaurant workers were more likely than others to die from drug overdoses in 2020, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

Researchers, who published their findings last week,examined data from 46 states and New York City. They found that there were 131 overdose related deaths among every 100,000 construction workers in the United States, the most of any profession.

Restaurant workers were at the second highest risk, with 99 deaths per 100,000 in the population.

"The variation observed in drug overdose death rates ... by usual occupation and industry during 2020 highlights the uneven burden of drug overdose deaths on subsets of the U.S. workforce as a significant health equity issue," the study reads. 

Researchers found that workers who were physically injured while on the job were prescribed opioids to ease pain and may have continued to use opioids or drugs like heroin, methadone and cocaine.  

“Differences in drug overdose deaths across occupations and industries are hypothesized to result from two intersecting pathways: physical pain due to acute injury or cumulative physical trauma at work and work-related psychosocial stress,” CDC wrote in the study.

Construction workers have one of the highest injury rates nationwide, according to the Center for Construction Research Training. The CDC says these injuries likely play a role in the increased prevalence of overdoses, saying: “Workers in these occupations and industries may be required to work at heights; climb ladders, scaffolds, or poles; make repetitive motions; and work in awkward postures increasing risk of both acute and chronic work-related injuries.”

Researchers continued: “Construction workers who have experienced work-related injuries are nearly four times more likely than uninjured workers to use prescription opioids.”

For restaurant workers, the CDC also cites the increased risk of injury brought on by the nature of the job, though also says the lack of work benefits many in the industry receive also plays a role.

Many workers in these occupations and industries spend much of their workday standing, walking, running, and making repetitive motions that may contribute to work-related injuries,” researchers wrote. “Job instability, lack of paid sick leave, and lack of health insurance are also common. Work-related stress, particularly among workers who interact with customers, and comparatively relaxed workplace norms around substance use that have been shown in some accommodation and food services workplaces are associated with heightened prevalence of substance use.”

Food service workers are also reportedly the most frequent abusers of drugs, according to CDC data.

Others near the most at-risk professionals included waste services, transportation and arts workers.

The study also found that 64% of drug overdose deaths in all industries involved opioids. 

"This drug class comprised the largest proportion of drug overdose deaths within every occupation and industry group," the report reads.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that drug overdoses increased from 2019 to 2021, and over 106,000 overdoses were reported in 2021. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-4357 .