Results of an Opioid Hazard Awareness Training Intervention for Stone, Sand, and Gravel Miners

Cora Roelofs

doi:10.1007/s42461-021-00515-7

Abstract

In the USA, miners are at higher risk for work-related disorders that could precipitate an opioid prescription, injury-related opioid prescriptions, and opioid overdose. We aimed to support prevention of these outcomes with an “opioid hazard awareness” miner safety training module. In January and February 2020, the training module was embedded within required mining safety and health training for stone, sand, and gravel miners in Massachusetts (USA). Training impact and reception were assessed with a pre- and post-training survey of trainee characteristics, training content knowledge, and attitudes. Over 800 miners were trained and over 600 responded to surveys. We found statistically significant improvements in opioid risk factor knowledge and knowledge of resources to help a coworker. Nonstigmatizing attitudes were high both at baseline and following the training. The training was perceived as relevant and useful by trainees. Improving opioid hazard awareness in high-risk worker populations has potential to reduce opioid dependence and downstream impacts including overdose death. Employer injury-prevention efforts should be reinforced while worker health and safety training enhances awareness of opioid-related harms and prevention strategies for miners and other high-risk worker populations.

Highlights

Since the beginnings of the opioid epidemic in 1999, almost 450,000 people have died from opioid-related overdoses in the USA [1]
To address the opioid health hazard disparities faced by miners, we developed a short training to enhance knowledge of the opioid crisis, awareness of the potential hazards associated with opioids, and the work-related factors that could lead to a prescription and/or opioid use disorder and overdose
The 30-min opioid hazard awareness training module was tailored to Massachusetts stone, sand, and gravel workers and designed for inclusion in annual U.S Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) refresher training that is required for all miners and others, such as contractors, who enter mine property

Summary

Introduction

Since the beginnings of the opioid epidemic in 1999, almost 450,000 people have died from opioid-related overdoses in the USA [1]. Investigators have identified injuries in the workplace as a factor in the rise of opioid dependence and opioid-related deaths, despite relatively flat injury rates [5,6,7,8]. The increase in opioid-related deaths has, until recently, closely tracked with the significant rise in opioid prescriptions for pain, including work-related pain [9, 10]. Obesity, smoking, and depressive symptoms have been identified as risk factors for work and non-work-related low back pain which is commonly treated with opioids [12]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion