Canada: drugs, death and denial on the Job

A survey of construction workers in BC found 1 in 3 self-reported problematic substance use. For many, that is alcohol or cannabis – but many workers also use stimulants, opioids, benzodiazepines or a mix – a deadly trend. The BC Coroners Service said 1 in 5 of the 6,000 people who died of drug poisoning July 2017-August 2021 worked in the skilled trades and transportation sectors.