For Canadians, the production of oil is as much a part of its identity as Hockey or Tim Hortons. As the largest oils producing nation outside the Middle East, Canada’s oil industry plays an important role in the economy and the nation’s identity.
However, in addition to the revenue it generates, the industry has serious health consequences that are often overlooked. Addiction in Canada’s oil industry is a growing problem that needs to be addressed.
Stressful working conditions and a heavy reliance on drugs and alcohol are leading to a dangerous mixture of mental and physical health issues in the employed oil industry workers. Rampant substance abuse has been linked to the increasing number of deaths in the industry due to accidents and related health complications.
Working for the oil industry can be a highly stressful and dangerous job. From the oil rigs to the personnel in the offices, workers are exposed to hazardous materials, demeaning and often dangerous working conditions, and intense professional competition. This range of issues leads to many workers turning to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to cope.
According to the Alberta oil patch report, 72% of workers who responded to a questionnaire indicated they had been abusing drugs and alcohol in the workplace. This is being linked to a number of fatalities in the industry since 2010. In 2016 alone, there were 9 deaths related to drugs and alcohol, with the highest concentration of these recorded in Alberta. This highlights the severity of the problem in Canada’s oil industry.
Unfortunately, mental health and addiction issues are often overlooked in the industry, as it is seen as a macho environment where speaking up is frowned upon. For many, drug and alcohol use has become socially acceptable, as long as it’s not taken “too far”. This leads workers to hide their addiction and not seek the help they need, worsening the situation.
Furthermore, there is a shortage of mental health professionals in areas where the oil industry is active. Many workers who require help cannot access it due to the lack of available professionals, exacerbating the problem even further.
To address this problem, the industry must take action. The most important step is to create a safe, supportive environment for workers that is open and accepting of all mental health issues, including addiction.
Additionally, employers must ensure that workers have access to mental health professionals and adequate support. This could include measures such as on-site counseling services, group sessions and workshops, and peer support groups.
The industry can also take steps to reduce the risk of accidents, such as ensuring all workers are given proper and up-to-date safety training. Employers should ensure employees are regularly tested for drug and alcohol abuse and provide regular health checks.
Finally, the industry must take steps to reduce the stigma associated with addiction. This could be done through education and awareness campaigns to educate staff on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, as well as the availability of resources for those in need.
Addiction in Canada’s oil industry is a growing problem that needs to be addressed. With an increase in awareness, better access to resources, and industry-wide initiatives, the problem can be effectively managed. By addressing this issue, not only will the health of oil workers improve, but the industry’s productivity and bottom line will also benefit in the long run.