Overdose workers at work and employers struggle to respond

In theory, employers are in a unique position to deal with the misuse of opioids through random testing and irregular behavior or absenteeism, said Chase, the author of the call limiting the prescriptions of Opioids at five days and give up the deductibles for addiction treatment – an option that is often not available to construction companies because they usually do not provide health insurance .

But many employers have been slow to act.

The North Family Foundation, a northern Ohio charity, hosted an event in May in Elyria, near Cleveland, to teach employers how to identify and treat employees with substance abuse issues. Donald S. Sheldon, Foundation Trustee and former President of the Hospital, advertised in local newspapers and reserved a room at the local community college that could accommodate 200 people.

Only 30 people showed up, he said.

Of the 10 companies whose employees suspected of opioid overdose were detected, see O.S.H.A. reports since 2014, most did not respond or refused to deal with specific incidents.

Sam's Club, a division of Walmart, said in a statement that it provided mental health and addiction coverage to employees and offered an employee assistance program. Fiat Chrysler said in an email that it had adopted stricter opioid prescription guidelines in its health plan and supported the use of drug treatment.

Only one employer, Giovanna Painting in Spencerport, New York, accepted an interview. Alan Hart, the president of the company, said he was shocked when one of his employees was found dead from a heroin overdose in a port on a construction site in 2017.

As a dependent addict, Hart said he was trying to be sympathetic and help the workers rehabilitate themselves, although he does not provide health insurance.