OPIOID CRISIS:

THE OTHER PANDEMIC

Our Province is in the grips of another pandemic – the high rate of overdose deaths from tainted street drugs. This crisis is disproportionately impacting the construction industry workforce.

  • Opioid-related deaths surged in Ontario after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 — the number of confirmed and probable deaths from drug overdose has increased by over 60%.
  • Since 2016 over 19,000 Canadians have died of overdoses related to the toxic street supply of drugs. More than 7,000 of these people have been Ontarians.
  • Why? Researchers found that construction workers with musculoskeletal disorders are three times more likely than their co-workers to use prescriptions for pain management.
  • Why? Researchers found that construction workers with musculoskeletal disorders are three times more likely than their co-workers to use prescriptions for pain management.
  • The construction industry workforce is hit harder by this crisis than people employed in any other sector of the economy — 1/3 deaths of employed people in Ontario according to the May 2021 report.
  • Not having the right approaches is costing taxpayers more.
  • The powerful opioid fentanyl is a common street drug now. This is leading to a high rate of overdoses and deaths.
  • Users are at a higher risk of overdosing if they use alone and no one is with them to administer naloxone.

Don’t use alone — get vaccinated and have Naloxone kit available.

Want to stop using and need help?

Need Support to use safely?

ODPRN Report on Opioid Deaths

Connex Ontario provides free & confidential health services information for people experiencing problems with alcohol & drugs, mental illness or gambling.

Want to stop using and need help?

Need Support to use safely?

ODPRN Report on Opioid Deaths

595 Bay Street, Suite 1202
Toronto, ON M5G 2C2

Em: info@ontarioconstructionconsortium.org
Ph:
 647-385-8474

595 Bay Street, Suite 1202
Toronto, ON M5G 2C2

Em: info@ontarioconstructionconsortium.org
Ph:
 647-385-8474