Drug-poisoning prevention training for construction industry expanded in B.C.

The B.C. Government is taking steps to address drug-poisoning deaths in the construction industry.

Sheila Malcolmson, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said men make up almost 80 per cent of all toxic drug deaths in B.C.

“Of these toxic drug deaths, where we know where someone worked, nearly 20 per cent of those who died work in construction, trades or as equipment operators,” said Malcolmson.

In an effort to address this issue, the province is investing $1 million in new workplace training for workers in construction and trades to prevent overdose deaths.

“Through my ministry, the province is funding the expansion of the Tailgate Toolkit, a successful overdose prevention program, piloted by Island Health and the Vancouver Island Construction Association, so it can reach construction and trades workers across British Columbia,” said Malcolmson.

The Tailgate Toolkit was created with people working in the industry who have lived experience with substance use. It teaches people about the risks of using drugs and of using drugs alone; of pain management options; of drug poisoning prevention; and connections to treatment.

“Importantly, the program encourages conversations about drug use and addiction, helping to reduce that stigma and shame associated with substance use,” said Malcolmson.

“Stigma is a real barrier to many people, it drives them to use alone, and in this climate of the terribly increasing toxicity of illicit street drugs, using drugs alone often means dying alone.”

She added that 69 per cent of British Columbians who died of toxic drug poisoning had used alone.

The Tailgate Toolkit also offers on-site and virtual workplace information sessions; supervisor training; an industry specific peer-led support group; and extensive regional resource guides with information on local mental health and addiction supports and services.

Minister of Labour, Harry Bains, stated that people in the construction industry who are prescribed pain medication after an injury can get on a pathway of addiction that can lead to street drugs and potentially overdose and death. He said to address this, Workplace B.C., with support from the Ministry of Labour, continues to take action to reduce the risk of harm to injured workers from opioid use.

“[Workplace B.C.] works with health-care practitioners on best practices in the treatment of chronic pain, including safe prescribing guidelines, substitutions therapies, and tapering strategies,” said Bains.

“They offer support and treatment programs to help workers reduce their drug use and transition to more appropriate pain management.”

He added that the Tailgate Toolkit program will compliment and help strengthen these and other measures already in place to try to protect workers from addiction and substance use.

Regional construction associations, including the Southern Interior Construction Association, will be in charge of rolling out the program in their respective regions.

A website has been established for individuals to connect with their industry associations, and where supervisors and site managers can access training directly. People can also use it as a hub to connect with resources.

Malcolmson added that the province continues to address the toxic drug and overdose crises by investing in overdose prevention sites, medication assisted treatment programs, and a safe supply program to get people off the potentially toxic street drugs and connect them with supports and services.