Occupational patterns of opioid-related harms comparing a cohort of formerly injured workers to the general population in Ontario, Canada

• DOI: 10.17269/s41997-024-00882-w
• Publication Date: 2024-04-24T16:02:19Z
• Authors: Nancy Carnide; Gregory Feng; Chaojie Song; Paul A. Demers; Jill S. MacLeod; Jeavana Sritharan
• Keywords: Occupational injury

Abstract Objectives The role of work-related injuries as a risk factor for opioid-related harms has been hypothesized, but little data exist to support this relationship. objective was compare the incidence among cohort formerly injured workers general population in Ontario, Canada. Methods Workers’ compensation claimants (1983–2019) were linked emergency department (ED) and hospitalization records (2006–2020). Incident rates poisonings mental behavioural disorders estimated 1.7 million population. Standardized ratios (SIRs) 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated, adjusting age, sex, year, region. Results Compared population, group elevated both ED (SIR = 2.41, CI 2.37–2.45) 1.54, 1.50–1.59). Opioid-related also compared (ED visits: SIR 1.86, 1.83–1.89; hospitalizations: 1.42, 1.38–1.47). Most occupations industries had higher risks harm particularly construction, materials handling, processing (mineral, metal, chemical), machining related occupations. Teaching displayed decreased harm. Conclusion Findings hypothesis that have preventable harms. Strategies aimed at primary prevention occupational secondary work disability long-term opioid use are warranted.