Drugs

Portland, OR — In response to 16 workplace overdose deaths in the state over a recent five-year period, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences has issued a hazard alert.

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has launched a program that offers incentives and financial assistance to help employers support workers who are recovering from a substance use disorder.

Columbus, OH — A recent study of workers in their 30s has found that 1 in 10 use alcohol, marijuana or hard drugs such as cocaine either right before or during their shift.

Unintentional overdose deaths in the workplace involving drugs or alcohol have increased more than 600% since 2011, according to Injury Facts – an online source of preventable death and injury statistics compiled by the National Safety Council.

Washington — A bill recently introduced in the House would allow the use of hair samples as an alternative drug-testing method for commercial truck drivers.

Washington — Legislation that would remove restrictions on federally funded research related to the medical or recreational use of cannabis and other Schedule I substances has been introduced.

Silver Spring, MD — Fatal on-the-job injuries, opioid-related overdose deaths and suicides among construction workers all fell slightly in 2023 from the year prior, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training reports in a recent bulletin.

Washington — Physically demanding jobs such as those in construction and extraction occupations have higher proportions of synthetic opioid overdose deaths co-involving psychostimulants such as methamphetamines or cocaine, results of a National Institutes of Health study show.

Washington — Aiming to help law enforcement officers avoid needlesticks and other sharps injuries that could expose them to bloodborne pathogens, NIOSH has issued a fact sheet.

Annapolis, MD — A recently introduced bill that would protect Maryland fire and rescue workers from certain disciplinary actions for off-duty medical cannabis use has advanced out of the state Senate.