Data Analysis Shows Drug use is Most Common Among Construction Workers

Ask anyone who works in construction about this field’s inherent dangers and you will be inundated with information.  Working in the construction industry requires extensive physical exertion.  Sadly, you can do everything right, remain completely sober while on the clock and still end up with an injury due to another person or party’s carelessness.  However, when workers use mind-altering drugs, the chances of injury at construction worksites spikes considerably.

A Look at the Data

The Drug and Alcohol Dependence journal recently published a study stating those who work in the construction industry are most likely to abuse mind-altering substances.  The study compared workers in a variety of fields before coming to this conclusion.  The study shows construction workers were most likely to use marijuana, cocaine and non-prescription opioids.  These findings are concerning as the construction field poses inherent dangers even without the element of workers using mind-altering substances.

Careless worksite behavior makes it that much more likely that workers will endure significant injury or possibly even death.  Unfortunately, the risk presented by the use of drugs is not limited to those who decide to alter their own minds.  This risk is also extended to those who work alongside the drug user on the construction site simply because they are in the vicinity of that individual.

The study’s author indicates the findings are somewhat understandable simply because construction industry workers endure considerable physical stress every single day.  These hardworking men and women are that much more likely to use mind-altering and pain-reducing substances to make it through the workday.

The Downward Spiral of Drug Use

Most people are aware of the fact that drug use is inherently dangerous for all human beings.  However, this dangerous behavior is especially risky for construction workers says Richard Schibell.  When a construction worker uses a mind-altering substance, he or she really is that much more likely to endure an on-the-job injury.  Furthermore, those who are injured while working are that much more likely to use drugs to obtain pain relief.

Drug use Eliminates Legal Protection

All workers including those in the construction industry have the legal right to specific benefits through New Jersey’s workers’ compensation system after enduring an injury related to workplace activities.  Such injured employees can file a workers’ compensation claim.  Furthermore, contractors are legally empowered to file a personal injury lawsuit with the assistance of our New Jersey attorneys.  However, it must be noted injured workers forfeit their rights to the forementioned compensation when the injury occurs as a result of personal drug use.  It is quite possible the use of drugs before or during work hours can preclude the injured worker from obtaining compensation to cover the cost of medical bills and other related expenses.

Injured at Work?  Contact Schibell & Mennie Today

If you are injured while working on a construction site or anywhere else, you are entitled to specific benefits through workers’ compensation.  These benefits are in place to facilitate the healing process and ultimately help you return to work as soon as possible.  Give Schibell and Mennie a call at 732-774-1000 to find out more about the nuances of the workers’ compensation system and schedule an initial consultation at our office.

 

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