The
construction industry continues to face the challenge of substance abuse. We
have been talking about it since 2016 when the Considerate Constructors Scheme
first highlighted the problem in a UK survey, stating that some 35% of workers
had noticed colleagues under the influence of substances or alcohol. More recently
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the
USA were telling us that that substance abuse is more prevalent in the
construction industry than in other sectors. All the experts continue to tell
us that this is a growing problem – so what are we going to do about it –
writes John Ridgeway?
Substance abuse among
construction workers has now become a pressing issue, with serious consequences
for individuals, families and businesses. The most commonly used include
alcohol and prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Stimulants
like cocaine and methamphetamine can also be a problem in the construction
industry. Marijuana is another substance that is commonly used by construction
workers.
Here are some of the shocking answers given to
the CCS all those years ago and things have not improved –
- 35% have noticed their colleagues
under the influence of substances and alcohol - 25% agreed drugs or
alcohol affected them at work through tiredness - 23% agreed it affected
them through decreased attention during work - 19% agreed the affects
made them less productive at work
Just click the link to read more