Major U.S. City Tackles Overdose Deaths in Construction

Construction Dive

The decision to target the construction industry follows data revealing construction workers accounted for the highest number of overdose deaths among various occupational groups. 

That mirrors national trends, as construction workers remain particularly susceptible to fatal overdoses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The construction industry’s 162.6 deaths per 100,000 workers were significantly higher than the 117.9 in food preparation and serving-related occupations, which had the second highest rate, according to the CDC. 

“We know that an injury on the construction site is sometimes just the first chapter of a tragedy, and along with our partners at the Health Department we are committed to promoting the safety of our fellow New Yorkers, both on and off the construction site,” said Jimmy Oddo, DOB commissioner. “Through mandatory drug and alcohol awareness classes to qualify for site safety training cards, and direct outreach on major work sites, we are letting the industry know that help is available.”

To read the rest of the article from our sister publication, Construction Dive, click here.