The Impact Of Substance Use & Related Mental Health Issues, Costs Construction Industry $847 Million Annually In Lost Time; Recommends Actions To Create Solutions & Save Lives
NEWS RELEASE (April 18, 2023)
A new economic analysis of the impact of substance use and related mental health issues in the construction industry has revealed that the annual cost to the BC construction industry from workers missing work and showing up at work hungover or dealing with withdrawal symptoms is $847 million. The estimated annual loss of revenue to the Government of BC due to substance use and related mental health issues in the construction industry is $318 million.
Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan [CIRP] commissioned the survey and analysis, which was conducted by Prioritize Consulting, with 683 construction industry respondents across the province.
CIRP Executive Director Vicky Waldron said that the study was prompted by the fact that approximately half of BC overdose victims were employed in the trades prior to death, a figure significantly higher than in other industries. In 2022, the province recorded 2,272 toxic drug supply deaths.
“The cost is an immeasurable tragedy to workers and their families, but it is also financially damaging our industry and the provincial economy,” said Vicky Waldron, CIRP Executive Director. “We are all impacted by the tragic loss of lives from overdose deaths in the construction industry, and we recognize the immense toll that substance use and related mental health issues have on not only the productivity of workers but the well-being of workers. It's a devastating situation that affects not only workers and their families but also our industry and the provincial economy. We must act quickly to address these challenges and find lasting solutions that prioritize the health and safety of our workforce."
In response to the survey findings, CIRP has released a White Paper – “Construction Industry-Led Solution to the Overdose Epidemic” – that outlines the extent of the problem and possible solutions for both the industry and government to consider as the epidemic enters it’s eighth year.
“We believe that working together, construction industry employers, trade unions, and the provincial, federal and municipal governments can find lasting solutions that will give workers affected a way forward to recovery and create a stronger, more resilient and productive workforce,” said Waldron.
The White Paper recommends supporting a prevention and treatment model developed by and for the construction industry, with 16 recommendations made in the White Paper.
Waldron explained that the situation is particularly concerning because of the high prevalence of the toxic drug supply being contaminated with fentanyl and other poisonous substances which has led to a rise in overdose deaths. For some workers, prescription opioids may lead to illicit drug use and dependency, while others may turn to alcohol to cope with injuries in a physically demanding occupation. She emphasized that while drug and alcohol use is a complex issue, it is clear that the first step in solving a problem is recognizing it and quantifying the extent of that problem.
CIRP has been providing substance use and related mental health treatment to unionized construction workers for almost 40 years, with its approach evolving as the field has changed, grown, and become more complex. Last year more than 500 intakes were conducted resulting in over 200 workers going on to receive CIRP services. Over 4,400 counseling sessions were delivered.
For More Information, Please Contact:
Vicky Waldron,
Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP)
Office: 604-521-8611
Email: Vicky.waldron@constructionrehabplan.com
Bill Tieleman,
West Star Communications,
Cell: 778-896-0964
Email: weststar@telus.net.
