The Decibel The construction industry’s opioid problem
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Dec 8, 2025 Jason Kirby, a staff reporter at The Globe and Mail, digs deep into the opioid crisis's chilling grip on the construction industry. He reveals staggering economic impacts, with estimates of up to $60 billion lost in productivity. The discussion covers how physical injuries and the rise of toxic fentanyl exacerbate the problem for tradespeople. Kirby also sheds light on systemic changes needed in workplaces and the importance of initiatives like naloxone availability. A poignant reminder of personal loss, he shares the heartfelt story of Michael Fairchild, whose potential was stolen by the epidemic.
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Worker Who Hid Pain And Died Before Shift
- Michael Fairchild was a proud welder who hid chronic pain and substance use while working on major projects across Canada.
- He died from a suspected overdose the day before a scheduled shift, illustrating how addiction can coexist with steady employment.
Opioids' Economic Burden Outweighs Other Substances
- Researchers measure economic cost of opioids mainly via lost labour productivity from premature deaths among younger workers.
- Opioids now impose a larger productivity burden than alcohol or tobacco because they disproportionately kill younger people.
Tens Of Billions Lost In Productivity
- Regional studies estimated lost productivity from opioid deaths at about $8.8 billion (2016–2019) and $41 billion (2007–2020).
- Incorporating post-2020 increases raises the estimated economic burden to roughly $60 billion.