Learning about the substance use in the workplace
We a conducted national study to learn more about employee and employer substance use behaviours, policies, practices and experiences across various sectors and industries. The study looked at the oil and gas, construction, mining and forestry industries.
How did the study work?
The study involved a survey, focus groups and interviews with workers and managers from the various industries.
Overall, we surveyed 1,120 people spanning five regions in Canada: The Atlantic provinces (7%), Quebec (30%), Ontario (34%), the Prairies (16%) and British Columbia (13%, including the Yukon and Northwest Territories, due to small numbers there).
We additionally conducted focus groups with 130 people working in these industries and interviewed 16 people with lived and living experience of substance use issues.
The results of the study were captured in the Workplaces and Substance Use infographic series. They were broken down by different topics and how they related to employees in different roles or industries.
Workplaces and Substance Use infographic series
Construction Industry
Workplaces and Substance Use: Construction Industry – Use and Perceptions
Illustrates key context and data on the use and perceptions of substance use in the construction...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Construction Industry – Policies and Training
Illustrates key context and data on policies and training related to substance use in the...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Construction Industry – Stigma
Illustrates key context and data on stigma related to substance use in the construction...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Construction Industry – Workplace Culture
Illustrates key context and data on workplace culture related to substance use in the...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Construction Industry
Provides key context, data, and recommendations on improving the substance use health of employees for employers and other partners (e.g., unions, associations, health...
Oil & Gas, Forestry, and Mining Industries
Workplaces and Substance Use: Oil & Gas, Forestry, and Mining Industries – Use and Perceptions
Illustrates key context and data on use and perceptions related to substance use in the oil and...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Oil & Gas, Forestry, and Mining Industries – Policies and Training
Illustrates key context and data on policies and training related to substance use in the oil...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Oil & Gas, Forestry, and Mining Industries – Stigma
Illustrates key context and data on stigma related to substance use in the oil and gas,...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Oil & Gas, Forestry, and Mining Industries – Workplace Culture
Illustrates key context and data on workplace culture related to substance use in the oil and...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Forestry Industry
Provides key context, data, and recommendations on improving the substance use health of employees for employers and other partners (e.g., unions, associations, health...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Mining Industry
Provides key context, data, and recommendations on improving the substance use health of employees for employers and other partners (e.g., unions, associations, health...
Workplaces and Substance Use: Oil and Gas Industry
Provides key context, data, and recommendations on improving the substance use health of employees for employers and other partners (e.g., unions, associations, health...
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Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the six categories below:
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Substances
Delve into key resources on commonly used substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants and psychedelics. Learn about their effects, usage patterns, associated health and social consequences, and harm reduction considerations
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Personal and Societal Impacts
Get insights on the personal and societal impacts of substance use and addiction , including gambling and impaired driving, and their effects on health, safety, and social well-being. Learn about effective prevention and harm-reduction strategies in various sectors.
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Communities
Communities share common interests, values or goals, and interact with one another to build relationships and help networks. These materials support more inclusive, equitable, and community-informed responses to substance use and addiction. Dive into resources highlighting people with lived and living experience, stigma, sex- and gender-based analysis, Indigenous Peoples, and housing.
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Treatment and Prevention
Explore medical, psychological, and social approaches aimed at helping individuals avoid or recover from substance use disorders. Get the facts on public health topics and learn about collaborative efforts to reduce stigma and promote more equitable, inclusive responses to substance use.
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Youth
Learn about factors influencing substance use in young people, including childhood trauma and brain development, and get tools to support adult allies in leading meaningful, evidence-informed conversations with youth. Content promotes early prevention, harm reduction and supportive environments for youth up to age 25.
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Substance Use and the Workplace
Substance use has a significant impact on the workplace, potentially affecting safety, productivity and employee well-being. Explore research on substance use in various industries. Resources support workplace leaders in building more supportive, stigma-free environments through practical strategies, improved approaches and initiative-taking education.
