BCCA is always working to understand the unique health challenges faced by a workforce that is mostly male and often working for extended periods in physically challenging environments.  Prior mis-stated data about the use of opioids in construction has been frustrating, but our opinion has always been that even one death is too many, and we have worked under that philosophy. The new report from BCCSA shines a clearer light on the use of alcohol and other drugs in our industry, and we are grateful for that. We strongly caution that without comparable research from other sectors it would be irresponsible to conclude that rates of use in construction are higher than elsewhere.  Our workers deserve better than generalizations and stereotypes.  In fact, the efforts by our industry to understand the issue show that today’s construction culture in BC is supportive and proactive. BCCA will continue to do everything we can to support the mental and physical health of our workforce.

Read the full BCCSA Report here.