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ITASCA, Ill., March 18, 2019 / PRNewswire / – Seventy-five percent of US employers have been directly affected by opioids but, surprisingly, only 17% feel extremely well prepared to deal with this problem, according to a poll released today by the National Safety Council in recognition of Poison Prevention Week. Thirty-eight percent experienced absenteeism or impaired worker performance and 31% had an overdose, arrest, near miss or injury due to opioid use by employees .
"The opioid crisis really encompbades almost every aspect of American life. Today's survey confirms that the leading cause of preventable death is not only detrimental to our personal lives, but that companies across the country are also struggling with the epidemic, "said Nick Smith, Acting President and CEO of the National Security Council. "On a good side of things, it is that we have the opportunity to attract the attention and resources of American companies to fight this scourge of NSC is committed to working with employers to identify best practices and support a two-pronged approach to dealing with crisis in our homes and workplaces. "
For the first time in American history, a person is more likely to die from an accidental overdose of opioids than from a road accident, according to NSC calculations. In fact, drug or alcohol overdose deaths in the workplace have increased by at least 25% for five consecutive years.I
Other key findings from the survey include:
- Employers are more concerned about hiring skilled workers, the costs of employee benefits and workers compensation than by the use by opioid employees on legal prescription or by the illegal use / sale of opioids. However, opioid abuse – legal or illegal – can affect all other problems mentioned by employers.
- 86% of employers believe that opioid use even on prescription can affect job performance, but only 60% have policies in place requiring employees to notify their employer when they use a prescription opioid
- Only half of employers are confident that they have the right policies and human resources to deal with the consumption and misuse of opioids in the workplace.
- 79% do not really believe that every employee can detect early warning signs of misuse of opioids
- It is encouraging to note that 41% of employers return an employee to work after receiving treatment for misuse of prescription opioids
NSC provides a free employer package for prescription drugs to help employers manage the use of opioids at work. Based on additional survey results, NSC intends to add components to the kit, including a robust workplace policy.
A copy of the survey questionnaire and the full methodology is available here. For additional resources and information on drug abuse in the workplace, visit nsc.org/drugsatwork.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, as well as on the road, through its leadership, the research, education and advocacy. Founded in 1913 and accredited by Congress, NSC pursues this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can have the greatest impact.
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I According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
SOURCE National Security Council
Related Links
http://www.nsc.org
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