Workplace safety has always been a big concern for workers in the United States. Even though on-the-job injuries and deaths are declining, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries in 2014. While workplace safety is an important concern, it’s even more significant to note its potential role in narcotics addiction.

Injuries that Lead to Drug Dependence

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, back injuries are the number one most common injury in the workplace. Many of these injuries can be prevented through the use of mechanical aids, including pneumatic lifts, adjusted-height shelves and conveyors. Ergonomic designs can also make manual lifting safer. But despite the availability of these alternatives, many workplaces still focus on speed over safety, which leads to unnecessary injuries.

These injuries drive people to seek medical attention, which is where opiate addiction often begins. Whether doctors prescribe narcotics for short-term pain relief or following back surgery, people seeking relief from serious pain are at risk of developing a tolerance to the drugs. This increased tolerance quickly becomes an addiction that can only be fed with higher doses of drugs.

Opiate medications such as Lortab, Norco and Oxycontin are highly addictive. Only Lortab addiction treatment can help you break the dependence and still function well on the job. If you find yourself needing narcotic pain relief to deal with workplace-related injuries, call us for help at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) .

Drug Abuse Leads to Workplace Injuries

It’s always more dangerous when people go into work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The risks are even greater in certain industries, including mining, construction, drilling and maintenance. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, drug use in the workplace has four significant impacts:

• Risk of premature death and fatal accidents
• Accident rates and injuries
• Absenteeism and frequent sick leave
• Loss of production

Employee drug and alcohol abuse also leads to other problems that affect the workplace, including sleepiness on the job, poor decision making, theft, lower workplace morale among coworkers and illegal activities taking place on the premises.

How Workplaces Can Minimize the Risks of Employee Substance Abuse

Employee substance abuse isn’t just dangerous for the individual: it puts everyone in the workplace at risk. Substance abuse by employees increases the risks that the individual and their coworkers are all at greater risk of suffering from preventable accidents and injuries. It’s also potentially very costly for the business.

Fortunately, businesses can do many things to minimize the risks. Designing more ergonomic work environments make accidents and injuries less likely to occur in general. Drug-free workplace policies also reduce the risk. These drug-free policies are most effective when they’re reinforced by occasional random drug testing.

Employee assistance programs are also well worth the company’s investment. Employees with substance abuse problems are more likely to seek Lortab addiction treatment when the company provides coverage.  When companies offer employee assistance programs, it reduces a lot of the stigma that prevents people from seeking help. Educating employees about the dangers of substance abuse on the job is also essential.

The Goal of Treatment

Although substance abuse among employees is a significant problem in the workplace, the ideal goal should be toward their rehabilitation. A supportive workplace can help addicted employees to feel safe seeking treatment. After successful Lortab addiction treatment, the employee may be able to return to the company as a productive team member.

Doctors who deal with patients who experience workplace injuries may be able to prevent addiction by using different treatment approaches. Prescribing physical therapy instead of opiate medication may avoid drug dependence.

When you are ready to deal with drug addiction, whether your problem started with a workplace injury or other cause, help is available. Call the compassionate experts at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) today.