Drug abuse an ‘ongoing issue’ among US workforce, report finds

Suhash Harwani, PhD, Senior Director of Science for Workforce Health Solutions at Quest Diagnostics, described the findings as “worrying.”

“It is disturbing to see increased use of fentanyl on-the-job and in combination with other drugs, given fentanyl’s extreme potency, which can increase risk of impairment, accidents, and potential overdose,” Harwani said in a statement.

“It also raises concern that employees are turning to a dangerous drug like fentanyl after they’ve passed a pre-employment drug screen, putting the overall wellness of the workforce at risk.”

Reducing drug use at work

The US Department of Labor (DOL) said employers can take various measures to prevent substance abuse in workplaces.

“Employee assistance programmes, health and well-being programmes, and unions can be allies in preventing substance use by supporting employee education on substance use and providing information on how to access help for a potential substance use disorder,” the DOL said on its website.