Isolated, inhospitable work environments key factors in the issue, says expert
Workers in trades, transport, and equipment operation accounted for 21 per cent of deaths on average between 2022 and last year, according to new data released by the coroner’s service.
Researchers say several factors contribute to substance use in these industries, including isolated or inhospitable work environments and the physically demanding nature of the jobs, which often lead to high rates of work-related pain and injury, said Lindsey Richarson, Canada Research chair in health equity, in a CBC report.
In the same report, Trevor Botkin, a former tradesman who now provides mental health support to others in the industry, described how his own substance use escalated as his mental health declined. He said that what began as a way to “blow off steam” became overwhelming, and he struggled to ask for help. He now works with men in recovery, noting that many are eager to talk about their experiences but lack opportunities to do so.
The drug issue among trades workers has persisted for years.
BC Conservative mental health and addictions critic Claire Rattee said many British Columbians fall into a gap where they do not qualify for public funding for treatment but also cannot afford private care. “This is the average British Columbian that is struggling right now to get by,” said in the same CBC report.
In the spring, the Ministry of Health reported it had provided $160,000 in funding to a non-profit that offers mental health and addictions care to construction workers.
Experts say there is no single solution to the issue. They recommend addressing it at multiple levels, including the individual worker, the workplace, employers, unions, the treatment system, and policy.
Advocates say normalizing mental health conversations on job sites is essential to saving lives.
Just last month, the British Columbia government introduced new minimum standards for overdose prevention services aimed at enhancing safety, improving service consistency, and increasing oversight for clients, staff, and the broader community.
“Every life lost to the toxic-drug crisis is someone’s brother, sister, parent, or child, and every loss is a tragedy we cannot afford to ignore,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Overdose prevention services are critical in saving thousands of lives, connecting people to treatment and reducing public drug use.”
