Ontario continues to face a rapidly growing opioid overdose crisis. Our previous report found that in 2021, among people who died of opioid toxicity, one-third of those who were employed at the time of death worked in the construction industry.
This new report, Lives lost to opioid toxicity among Ontarians who worked in the construction industry, from the ODPRN, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario/Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC/OFPS) and Public Health Ontario (PHO), provides information on the disproportionate impact of opioid toxicity deaths among people working in the construction industry in Ontario. The report calls for industry-level responses in the construction industry that recognize the stigma around drug use, which may make people less likely to engage in treatment and harm reduction services offered through their employer.
Below is a support resource for individuals in the construction industry interested in learning more about tips for safer drug use and treatment options
Access the full report and associated resources: