Strong Foundations: Addressing Substance Abuse on Washington Construction Sites
Contributed by Jon Anderson, CSP, CIT, CHST, REP the consultant and author of our Toolbox Talks collection available on our website and through our phone apps.
Construction is a world of deadlines, heavy lifting, and constant change. Every day, crews face physical strain, unpredictable weather, and the pressure to keep projects moving. In this environment, it’s no surprise that many workers turn to substances—alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs—to cope with pain, stress, or simply to keep going. But behind every drink, pill, or shortcut lies a hidden cost: safety, productivity, and sometimes, lives.
Why Substance Abuse is so Prevalent in Construction
Substance abuse in construction isn’t just about individual choices about the culture and conditions of the industry. Long hours, physical injuries, job insecurity, and a “tough-it-out” mindset all contribute. National data shows that construction workers are nearly twice as likely to experience substance use disorders compared to other occupations. In Washington State, the numbers are even more alarming: about 15% of construction workers struggle with substance abuse, and alcohol use disorder affects nearly 12%, almost double the rate of the general population.[1]
Opioid misuse is a particular concern. Nearly 25% of construction workers with work-related injuries in Washington have used prescribed opioids, more than double the rate among non-injured workers. The combination of pain, easy access to prescriptions, and lack of paid recovery time creates a cycle that’s hard to break.
The Impact: Safety, Productivity, and Lives
The consequences of substance abuse ripple through every jobsite. Impaired judgment and slower reaction times increase the risk of accidents—falls, machinery mishaps, and vehicle incidents. Construction workers have the highest mortality rates for drug overdose deaths and prescription opioid–related deaths of any industry. In Washington, overdose deaths and suicides among construction workers have risen dramatically in the past five years.[2]
Beyond the tragic loss of life, substance abuse leads to absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher insurance costs, and workforce instability. Employers face rising liability claims and the challenge of maintaining a safe, reliable team.
Breaking Barriers: Building a Culture of Support
For years, the construction industry has been shaped by a culture that prizes toughness and self-reliance, often discouraging workers from seeking help for substance abuse or mental health challenges. Many end up self-medicating, fearing that speaking up could lead to judgment, loss of respect, or even job termination. This silence has kept substance abuse hidden and untreated, contributing to preventable injuries, declining well-being, and high rates of overdose and suicide in the industry.
Fortunately, change is gaining momentum. Washington’s Construction Industry Substance Abuse Program (WCISAP) provides structured testing, clear policies, and access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), helping workers receive confidential support and treatment. Complementing this effort, the Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC WA) has taken a leading role in addressing substance abuse and mental health by offering employers and workers a wide range of resources through its Mental Health & Suicide Prevention initiative. AGC WA’s resource hub includes sample policies, best-practice guides, crisis-support tools, awareness materials, and access to national and local assistance programs—all designed to reduce stigma, promote well-being, and connect workers to care. These resources are publicly available here:
AGC of Washington Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources https://www.agcwa.com/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-resources/
Efforts by AGC WA, combined with WCISAP’s structured support programs, are helping shift the industry from silence to openness. When leaders share real stories, not just statistics, workers see that reaching out for help is not a weakness but an act of responsibility and strength. By building a culture of empathy, transparency, and support, construction companies can encourage early intervention, reduce substance-related risks, and foster workplaces where workers feel physically and emotionally safe.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Substance abuse in construction doesn’t happen because people don’t care; it happens because they do. Workers care deeply about supporting their families, keeping projects moving, and being reliable teammates. But good intentions don’t change outcomes. Every shortcut taken to manage stress, every drink used to unwind, and every pill taken to “push through the pain” can have life-altering consequences, not only for the individual but for everyone on the jobsite.
The challenge, and the opportunity, is to build a culture in which safety and support are woven into everyday decisions. This means creating an environment where workers feel safe speaking up, where asking for help is treated as responsible, and where mental health and substance use are openly discussed rather than avoided. By removing barriers to support, empowering teams with resources, and reinforcing that well-being is a shared priority, organizations can create jobsites where safety is collective, not conditional—where resilience, not silence, becomes the norm.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out is the first and most important step. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, offering confidential support for substance use, mental health challenges, and problem gambling. No one in this industry has to face these challenges alone. Together, we can build safer worksites, stronger teams, and a future where every worker feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. You can still call 1-800-273-8255 or text HELP to 741-741, but now, all across the country, the new 988 crisis line is available just like dialing 9-1-1. It remains FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, and available 24/7.
So, take the extra moment. Use the right equipment. Ask the question. Speak up. Look out for your teammates. Choose the safer path every time. Because the seconds saved by a shortcut are never worth the cost of a life, a limb, or a future forever changed. Together, we can establish job sites where safety is not merely a mandate but a unified commitment and a foundation of collective resilience.
[1] Construction Workers and Addiction: Statistics, Recovery & Rehab Options
[2] Construction workers and addiction - Under the Hard Hat