One-third of incidents on construction jobsites are drug- or alcohol-related, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). For an industry where workers already face hazards ranging from falls and heavy equipment to overexertion, impairment adds another risk with potentially serious consequences.
The connection extends beyond the jobsite. The CDC found that construction and extraction workers had the highest drug overdose death rate among occupational groups studied, at 162.6 deaths per 100,000 workers.
For employers, those numbers make substance use prevention a necessary part of workplace safety.
There’s also evidence that a strong prevention program makes a difference. ABC’s Health and Safety Performance Report found that companies with robust substance use prevention programs and policies, including provisions for drug and alcohol testing where permitted, had a 55% lower Total Recordable Incident Rate, or TRIR, and a 57% lower Days Away, Restricted or Transferred, or DART, rate.
Here are three key components the organization identifies that employers should consider.
1. Establish a drug and alcohol testing program
ABC recommends drug and alcohol testing before hiring, randomly, and when there is reasonable suspicion, where permitted.
Testing works best as one part of a broader safety strategy. Employers need clear procedures covering when testing occurs, how results are handled and what happens afterward.
The National Safety Council’s Workplace Drug Testing Quick Guide gives supervisors, safety professionals and HR leaders practical guidance on testing approaches, legal considerations, policy design and responding to results. NSC also offers guidance on drug testing in the workplace, including reasonable-suspicion procedures and supervisor training.
2. Build a clear policy and prepare supervisors to use it
A written policy gives employees and supervisors a common set of expectations. ABC recommends policies that address drug and alcohol use, supervisor training, recordkeeping and active enforcement.
Supervisors have a critically important role. They need to know how to recognize possible signs of impairment, document what they observe, and follow established procedures consistently.
Employers developing or updating their policies can start with NSC’s workplace policy resources. They include a drug and alcohol testing policy template, recovery-supportive workplace guidance, and resources for incorporating opioid overdose response into workplace policies.
3. Give employees education and access to help
ABC’s third recommendation combines prevention education with access to an employee assistance program.
Education helps employees understand substance use disorder, impairment, and where to seek assistance. An EAP or other support program gives workers somewhere to turn when they need help.
Employers can also take a recovery-supportive approach. NSC offers recovery-supportive workplace resources covering prevention, education, treatment and recovery support. Substance use disorder is treatable, and workplace policies can maintain safety expectations while creating pathways for employees to get help.
Overdose preparedness belongs here, too. ACNSC includes naloxone administration in all First Aid, CPR and AED training courses at our Phoenix training facility. ACNSC members receive a discount. Learn more and register for training.
Take a closer look at your program
Substance use prevention deserves the same attention as other hazards that can contribute to injuries on a construction site.
Review your current program. Look at your testing practices, policies, and supervisor training, then consider whether employees have adequate education and access to assistance.
If you find gaps, use the available resources to strengthen them. A more comprehensive approach to substance use prevention gives employers another way to reduce risk and help keep workers safe.