Pain Management & Opioid Misuse in the Construction Industry
Opioid misuse and substance use disorder continue to significantly impact the construction industry, where physically demanding work, high injury rates, and chronic pain create elevated risk for prescription opioid dependence and addiction. Construction workers experience some of the highest rates of workplace injury, which often leads to opioid prescriptions for pain management. Without proper oversight, education, and recovery support, this can increase the risk of opioid misuse, overdose, and long-term mental health challenges.
This page provides comprehensive resources on pain management in the construction industry, including guidance on safe prescribing practices, non-opioid pain treatment alternatives, injury recovery strategies, and workplace policies that support prevention and early intervention. You will also find information on recognizing the signs of opioid misuse, implementing substance use prevention programs, using naloxone (Narcan) for overdose response, and building recovery-friendly jobsite environments that support workers returning from injury or treatment.
Addressing opioid misuse in construction requires a proactive approach that integrates physical safety, mental health support, and responsible pain management. Explore the tools and best practices below to help protect workers, reduce risk, and strengthen your organization’s commitment to safe recovery and long-term workforce well-being.
Opioid Education & Training
Construction-Focused Opioid Resources
Organizations & Initiatives
Frequently
asked questions
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Opioids affect nerve cells in your brain and body. They tell your brain to block pain, and they also make you feel calm and happy. However, over time, the body gets used to having the drug and feels terrible without it. Withdrawal is like having the flu, but much worse, and it can make it hard to stop taking the drug. If a person starts seeking and taking an opioid despite how it is interfering with work, school, or relationships, it is called addiction.
- Slow or no breathing
- Blue or gray lips and fingertips
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Gurgling or choking sounds
- Body goes limp
- Pinpoint Pupils
- Call 911 immediately.
- Administer naloxone if available.
- Perform rescue breathing or CPR if trained.
- Stay with the person until emergency help arrives.
Naloxone (brand names: Narcan®, Kloxxado®) is a medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. It can be administered via nasal spray or injection and is safe even if the person is not experiencing an opioid overdose. Go to www.ANSW.org
Administering naloxone to someone experiencing an opioid overdose is generally safe and unlikely to cause harm, even if it turns out they weren’t overdosing on opioids.
Formal training isn’t always required, but it’s highly recommended to learn how to administer naloxone to respond to an opioid overdose effectively.
No. There are many non-opioid options for pain management, including:
- Physical therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Non-opioid medications (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs)
- Acupuncture and mindfulness techniques
- Non-traditional methods (i.e., deep breathing, yoga, etc.)
Yes. Even when taken as prescribed, opioids carry a risk of dependence, tolerance, and addiction. Remember the saying: Go low, go slow. It’s important to:
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time
- Follow your doctor’s instructions closely
- Store opioids securely and dispose of them properly when no longer needed
TOOLBOX TALKS
Download and use these Toolbox Talks at your next safety meeting. (Courtesy of AFSP)