What's Work Got To Do With The Nation’s Opioid Epidemic
Guest: Dr. Casey Chosewood, M.D., M.P.H.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is reported “Abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs is very costly to our Nation, which has led to over $700 billion annually in costs related to crime, lost work productivity and health care.” In addition to its complex and painful effects on the employee and their loved ones, addiction can affect their work experience. For example, prescription medication disorders and other substance addictions may interfere with an employee’s ability to perform their work safely and potentially increase the risk for injury and accidents, in addition to increased absenteeism, job turnover, and presenteeism. Occupational health and safety outcomes for employees with addiction are further impacted by the ability of the workplace to accommodate and appropriately address the employee’s related mental health needs. Overall, substance use disorders play an integral role on employee safety, health, and well-being.
In anticipation for our upcoming Spring Symposia, we highlight a talk from one of our 2019 Fall Symposia speakers, Dr. Casey Chosewood, the director of the Office for Total Worker Health® at the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). Dr.Chosewood gives an update on the nation’s opioid overdose epidemic from CDC/NIOSH.
Millions of Americans have or know someone with substance use disorder, help is available. Visit NIOSH’S Opioids in the Workplace page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/opioids/default.html or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at www.SAMHSA.gov for resources to help both individuals and workplaces.
To watch more symposia recordings or to register for our upcoming virtual 2020 Spring Symposia on Friday, May 29, 2020 on the topic, "Workplace Aggression: Preventing relational aggression and bullying - a deeper dive", visit: https://bit.ly/342MIt5
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