The mining industry has long been one of the most physically demanding and high-risk professions. Recently, it has faced a different kind of challenge: the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on the mining workforce. To address this growing crisis, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) joined forces to create Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry.This innovative guide provides mining employers with actionable tools to prevent opioid use disorder (OUD), support worker recovery, and create safe, healthier workplaces.
Why has the opioid crisis affected mining so deeply, and how can this guide help turn the tide? SAFE Project spoke with the guide’s contributors—Carol T. Nixon, MS, PhD; Kristin M. Yeoman, MD, MPH; and Jamie C. Osborne, MPH, CHES—to explore the significance of this resource, its development process, and its potential to transform how mining employers approach worker health and well-being.
How the Opioid Crisis Has Hit Mining So Hard
Despite the adoption of automation and other heavy-duty equipment, mining remains a physically intensive job. Workers often face pain from acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. This has contributed to the overprescription of opioids as a means of managing pain, which can lead to dependence and misuse. Adding to this challenge, mining operations are frequently located in remote areas with limited access to healthcare, making it harder for workers to seek timely help.
"The nature of mining work—long hours, difficult and painful working conditions, and often a poor work-life fit—increases workers’ risks for harmful opioid use," explained Jamie C. Osborne, MPH, CHES, Health Scientist at NIOSH. "The combination of high rates of injury and work-related stress places greater burden on the mining industry."
A CDC report from August 2023 also revealed that overdose mortality rates in the mining industry rank among the highest of all U.S. sectors. Specifically, mining was revealed to have the fifth-highest rate of overdose deaths among 19 industry groups analyzed. These alarming statistics highlight the urgency of addressing OUD in mining.
Recognizing these unique challenges, MSHA and NIOSH launched a collaborative effort in early 2022 to develop educational resources for OUD prevention tailored to the mining industry. The guide draws on input from mining employers, safety managers, and health experts to offer practical, evidence-based strategies.
“Our Miner Health Program partners have consistently voiced the need for resources to address mine worker mental health and harmful substance use,” said Dr. Carol T. Nixon, MS, PhD, Research Health and Evaluation Scientist at NIOSH. “This guide is a direct response to their call for action.”
The process also included listening sessions with mining stakeholders and a federal research roundtable on opioids in mining. “We wanted to identify potential workplace solutions that are relevant and truly actionable for mining operators,” added Dr. Nixon.
A Resource Tailored to Mining
Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry equips employers with tools to implement workplace programs that prevent OUD and support recovery. The guide aligns with NIOSH’s Total Worker Health framework, which integrates safety, mental health, and well-being into workplace practices.
“While this guide provides employers with multiple prevention strategies, it also emphasizes the importance of creating a strong workplace health and safety culture where workers feel supported,” said Kristin M. Yeoman, MD, MPH, Medical Epidemiologist at NIOSH. “From addressing physical hazards to reducing stigma, it’s a holistic approach to a complex problem.”
Key strategies from the guide include:
- Developing workplace naloxone programs;
- Enhancing employee assistance programs (EAPs);
- Building peer support networks;
- Training workers on opioid awareness and prevention.
“These are not one-size-fits-all solutions,” emphasized Osborne. “We’ve designed this guide to be adaptable, so mining employers can choose what works best for their operations, and make adjustments as needed.”
Addressing Barriers Unique to Mining
Mining presents unique challenges when it comes to preventing harmful opioid use. Long shifts in remote areas limit access to healthcare, while the stigma surrounding substance use discourages workers from seeking help.
“Workplaces are ideal settings for prevention and recovery support,” said Dr. Yeoman. “Employers can play a critical role by reducing hazards that lead to injuries, addressing psychosocial stressors, and fostering a supportive culture.”
To ensure its effectiveness, the guide was developed using a research-based approach. MSHA and NIOSH reviewed existing workplace prevention guides, academic literature, and insights from mining industry stakeholders.
“This collaborative process ensured the guide was both evidence-based and practical for mining employers,” said Dr. Nixon. “By listening to those on the ground, we were able to tailor the guide to mining employers’ unique needs.”
In addition to the guide, a worker-focused training curriculum is under development and will be released by MSHA in early 2025. This program aims to educate miners about opioid risks and prevention strategies, complementing the employer-focused tools.
“Our hope is that these resources will not only improve awareness but also give the mining industry concrete tools to reduce workers’ risk,” said Dr. Yeoman.
The release of this guide marks a significant step forward in addressing the opioid overdose crisis, but its success depends on widespread adoption and implementation.
“The mining industry has a real opportunity to make significant progress in addressing the opioid crisis,” said Osborne. “By taking proactive steps and emphasizing prevention, we can protect our workers and create a healthier, safer, and more resilient industry.”
For more information, visit the MSHA website at: www.msha.gov.
The newly released opioid resource guide can be downloaded at: www.msha.gov/opioid-resource-guide.
