Ontario group sounding the alarm about rising opioid overdose deaths in the construction industry
The group representing construction workers in Ontario is warning of a concerning trend of opioid-related deaths affecting the industry.
The Ontario Construction Consortium said new data from the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network confirms its suspicion that construction workers are among a significant portion of opioid-related deaths.
"Of the people who died of overdose in 2020, that were employed at the time they died, almost one third were construction workers, 30 per cent," said Phil Gillies, the consortium's executive director. "It's definitely more prevalent in this industry than any other."
Gillies said in many cases, the nature of the industry can lead its workers down the path of addiction. With workplace injuries not uncommon, Gillies said simple prescription painkillers can often have profound effects down the line.
"Where the trouble really starts is when the doctor cuts off the prescriptions," he said. "The addicted worker can't get the pain killers anymore and that's when they go to the street."
Gillies said the organization's partners have reached out to members and mayors across the province, including cities in northern Ontario.
"A user should either be going to a supervised consumption facility or at least be with someone who can administer Naloxone," he said. "That's what we're advocating at this point, because we are losing lives."
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available:
Want to stop using and need help?
Understanding and finding help for substance use and addiction
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."