Citation

Alleyne BC, Stuart P, Copes R. J. Occup. Med. 1991; 33(4): 496-500.

Affiliation

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, Edmonton.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2037904

Abstract

High costs and the potential risk to public health of drug-related workplace accidents are major concerns. Studies conducted to evaluate this problem are restricted by concerns for individual rights and fears of jeopardizing labor relations. However, in collaboration with the Medical Examiner's office. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety examined a unique set of data on 459 deaths occurring at work. The only illicit drug found was cannabis for which 10 workers tested positive. Forty workers tested positive for alcohol, 28 for prescription, and 22 for nonprescription drugs. Evidence of alcohol use was found in a higher percentage of fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents, falls, and being caught in or under equipment than in other types of workplace fatalities.

Language: en