Construction Industry Facing Disproportionate Overdose Rates and Substance Related Dangers 

By Effie Argyropoulos,  Level Up Project Lead at Digital Public Square. 

The construction industry employs over 1.6 million people in Canada, contributing approximately $151 billion to the country’s economy every year and making it the fifth biggest employment sector in Canada. 

The workforce behind the various trades positions that support the construction of Canadian homes, industrial, and commercial buildings is a diverse group, represented by a variety of cultures, some of whom are new Canadians, and the majority of whom are men; (87 per cent). Immigrants account for 23 per cent of all general contractors and builders of Canadian residential buildings. 

An unfortunate, yet significant, challenge faced by all groups within the industry is the disproportionate rate of substance use challenges, with men working in trades professions experiencing the highest rates of opioid overdoses in Canada. 

A new digital tool 

National not-for-profit organization Digital Public Square (DPS) has turned to technology, creating an interactive digital tool to support those in the industry who need access to thorough information about this issue. Level Up Canada provides resources, links to support services, and education to build awareness about the risks of opioid, and other substance use, amongst those working in labour intensive industries such as construction. Level Up is a publicly accessible tool. 

Designed based on national research and engagement with those working on the industries’ frontlines, including employees, employers, and industry organizations, research executed by DPS provides a closer look at several areas where Canadian construction talent require more support. 

In 2022, 30 to 50 per cent of those employed, who lost their lives due to substance use, worked in trades at the time of their death. DPS research found that more employees in these industries use opioids, and other substances, in comparison to other, non-labour industries.  

The factors that can lead to substance use, and potential dependency on opioids, are multifaceted, and include the physically demanding nature of construction work, pain and injuries resulting from the nature of these labour-intensive roles, loneliness, particularly when working on sites away from family and friends; and financial incentives to work long hours in an economy where costs of living are high.  

Homeownership and rental expenses across Canada remain costly, with median households in Toronto needing 77 per cent of their income to cover home expenses as a homeowner. This is an issue most Canadians face and is exacerbated by the income insecurity that is inherent in labour work, and the heightened precarity that results when workers are between jobs or have to take time away for their mental and physical health. 

 According to Megan Kinch, a union electrician living in Toronto, it’s not unusual to be sitting at home for months or weeks without steady income, due to contractors or unions not having work available. The anticipation of this financial instability may foster an environment where workers feel inclined to overextend themselves when the opportunity for additional work arises, even at the expense of their health. 

Breaking down the numbers 

Despite the prevalence of substance use in construction, 31 per cent of those surveyed by DPS said they were unsure about resources and assistance offered by their employer, and 40 per cent indicated their employer did not provide any sponsored help to deal with opioids and other substance use. 44 per cent of employees surveyed would feel somewhat uncomfortable/ not comfortable discussing substance use with colleagues, and 57 per cent said they would be somewhat uncomfortable/ not comfortable discussing the topic with their employer. There is a significant, and dangerous, workplace stigma that results in fear of retribution, such as termination, if employees ask for help. 

For the safety and well being of construction talent across the country, it’s vital to raise awareness regarding potential substance harms within the industry, while providing access to resources and support services, privately, and without judgment. Another key step is for Canadian employers to incorporate supports, such as Level Up, into staff onboarding and health and safety programming. Considering the dangers of the unregulated drug supply, taking any and every extra step to support those at risk of substance dependency and overdose could not be more important, especially for industries where data tells us that workers are at greater risk. 

According to the Government of Canada, there was a total of 3,787 apparent opioid toxicity deaths in Canada reported between January and June 2024 alone, with 2,846 opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations, and 13,287 opioid-related poisoning Emergency Department visits. 

Considering the high rates of opioid overdoses for those working in the construction trades, eliminating stigmas, ridding the workplace of judgment, and implementing tools and supports, combined with empathy and understanding, should be top priorities for the construction sector as we move into 2025. 

Those who build our country from east to west depend on it. 

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