Study Finds Rising Opioid-Related Emergency Visits Among Injured Workers
Research identifies significant increases in opioid-related emergency visits among injured workers, particularly in machining, construction and materials handling.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Oct 15, 2026
Workers in Ontario with approved lost-time injury claims experienced a significant increase in opioid-related emergency department visits between 2006 and 2022, according to research summarized by the Institute for Work & Health.
The study, which examined 1.7 million injured workers, found that emergency visits for opioid poisonings increased from 25 per 100,000 workers in 2006 to 175 per 100,000 in 2022. The sharpest growth occurred between 2015 and 2019, when visits increased by 35% annually.
Workers in machining occupations experienced the highest rates and steepest increases, exceeding 300 emergency visits per 100,000 workers in 2022. Construction trades, materials handling and product fabricating, assembling and repairing occupations also recorded elevated rates.
Emergency visits involving opioid-related mental and behavioral disorders, including dependence and withdrawal, increased from 58 to 179 per 100,000 workers during the study period.
Researchers suggested that physically demanding work and occupational injuries may contribute to opioid-related risks by creating opportunities for opioid use following an injury.
The researchers cautioned that the study population was concentrated in occupations with higher injury risks. They also noted that more recent Ontario data indicate opioid-related harms have declined in the general population since 2022.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.