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
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.