Connecticut looks to make substance use disorder an occupational disease

Connecticut lawmakers are looking to make addiction an occupational disease that would entitle employees suffering from substance use disorder to workers compensation benefits.

A group of state senators and labor leaders on Tuesday held a news conference at the state capitol calling for substance use disorders to be considered a recognized occupational hazard.

Moving substance abuse under the umbrella of occupational diseases would make affected employees eligible for prevention and treatment options in addition to workers compensation benefits, according to a statement from the Connecticut Senate Democrats.

Workers in jobs that required them to perform “strenuous and repetitive tasks,” such as construction employees, are at an increased risk of becoming addicted to pain medications and other substances, according to supporters of the proposed change.

“It’s costing labor, it’s costing management a huge amount of money for lost time worked, insurance costs, replacing somebody that is either disabled or, God forbid, a fatal injury on the job site, which has happened,” Kyle Zimmer, director of health and safety for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, said in a statement.

Supporters of making addiction an occupational disease say the change would provide support for affected workers while reducing turnover-related employer costs.

Legislation for the change has not yet been officially filed but lawmakers pitched the potential change during a news conference earlier this week.