Learn which workers have the highest risk of opioid addiction after an injury and what’s being done to protect them
There’s no doubt that the opioid crisis has gripped Georgia and the entire United States, leading to devastating consequences for countless individuals and families. With tens of thousands of drug overdose deaths each year, opioids have become a leading public health crisis.
Recent studies highlight a particularly troubling aspect of this epidemic: Injured workers are at a higher risk of opioid-related deaths compared to the general population.
This article will delve into several studies that shed light on this disturbing trend and explore recommendations for addressing the heightened risks faced by injured workers. By understanding these findings, we can begin to develop comprehensive strategies to combat the opioid epidemic and protect the most vulnerable members of our workforce.
Injured workers have an increased risk
of opioid addiction and death
A recent study by the Massachusetts Department of Health found that 17% of workers in Massachusetts who were injured from 2011 to 2020 died of an opioid-related overdose.
Its research showed that injured workers had a 35% higher likelihood of dying from an opioid overdose than the general population in the state.
Another study published in 2020 that followed injured workers in the U.S. for 3 years after their injuries found an even stronger correlation between workplace injuries and opioid overdose. It found that work-related injuries increased the risk of opioid-related deaths by 79%.
Additionally, the study showed that workers who required medical treatment but could continue to work during recovery were about 54% more likely to die from opioid overdose, while workers who were injured badly enough to miss days of work had an astounding 191% increased risk of dying from opioids, compared to non-injured workers.
Which injuries most often lead to opioid use and death after a work injury?
When looking at the workers’ comp claims filed by workers who died of drug overdoses in the months or years preceding their deaths, the Massachusetts Department of Health found that the injuries most commonly reported from highest to lowest included:
- General strains/sprains
- Back strain/sprains
- Contusions or crushing injuries
- Lacerations or punctures
- Fractures
- Multiple injuries
Surprisingly, the injuries most often reported in claims that later led to opioid-related deaths were not catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or paralysis from a severe spinal cord injury but rather less severe injuries like muscle sprains and broken bones.
While these types of injuries don’t often lead to permanent disability, they can result in ongoing and chronic pain that can impact a person’s quality of life.
Which workers have the highest rates of drug overdoses after an injury?
According to the Massachusetts Department of Health, those with previous work-related injuries who later died from opioid overdoses most commonly worked in the following industries:
- Construction and extraction (28.2%)
- Transportation/material moving (11.2%)
- Food prep and service (6.8%)
- Production (6.6% )
- Building and grounds maintenance (5.5%)
- Installation and repair (5.4%)
- Sales (5.1%)
- Office workers (3.6%)
- Management (3.4%)
- Health care (3.1%)
These findings underscore the need for comprehensive pain management and support systems for injured workers, particularly those in high-risk occupations. Employers and policymakers must prioritize workplace safety and effective injury prevention programs, while health care providers need to ensure access to non-opioid pain management options and better follow-up care.
Failed Drug Test While on Georgia Workers’ Compensation
Can my workers’ compensation benefits be denied because of a failed drug test?
What’s being done to address the opioid crisis among injured workers?
The Department of Labor (DOL) has been actively working to combat the opioid crisis through several targeted initiatives aimed at reducing opioid misuse among claimants.
One of the key strategies involves targeted communications to both claimants and their health care providers as soon as an opioid prescription is filled. These communications emphasize the risks associated with opioid use and provide crucial information on safe usage practices.
To further regulate opioid prescriptions, the DOL recommends that initial opioid prescriptions be limited to a 7-day supply. After which, injured workers can receive an additional 7-day supply (up to 3 more times, for a total of 28 days), if needed.
Beyond this, health care providers should complete a detailed form certifying the medical necessity for continued opioid use, which the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) should review and approve every 60 days.
To ensure responsible opioid prescribing practices, the DOL suggests that providers should do the following:
- Access the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to review the patient’s history of controlled substance prescriptions.
- Discuss the risks of overdose or other adverse effects with the patient, particularly the dangers of combining opioids with alcohol and other sedating substances.
- Evaluate the patient for the risk of opioid use disorder or the potential need for medication-assisted treatment.
- Consider non-opioid alternatives for pain management.
- Inquire about the patient’s use of benzodiazepines, which can increase the risk of adverse effects when used with opioids.
By implementing these measures, the Department of Labor aims to ensure that opioids are prescribed responsibly and that claimants are protected from the risks of opioid misuse and addiction.
Get help from an experienced
Atlanta work injury attorney
At Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we understand the devastating consequences that workplace injuries and addiction can have on workers’ lives in Georgia. That’s why we’re committed to advocating for injured workers and providing the support and guidance they need during such challenging times.
We know how complex and emotionally taxing dealing with workplace injuries and the associated risks of opioid misuse can be. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and ensuring you receive the compensation and care you deserve.
Reach out to Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
References
Asfaw, A., & Boden, L. I. (2020). Impact of workplace injury on opioid dependence, abuse, illicit use and overdose: a 36-month retrospective study of insurance claims. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 77(9), 648–653. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106535
Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths Among Injured Workers in Massachusetts. (2024). mass.gov. https://www.mass.gov/doc/opioid-related-overdose-deaths-among-injured-workers-in-massachusetts-findings-from-the-public-health-data-warehouse
