Profile of Small Employers in the United States and the Importance of Employee Assistance Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in Maryland (2018), by Industry and Occupation

“…28,29 Based on analysis of responses about employer policies and services for substance use from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only half the respondents had access to workplace support services for substance use problems. 30 Access to services such as Employee Assistance Programs is especially low in small businesses. 13,30 In 2020, the majority of construction enterprises in the US had less than 10 employees.…”

“…30 Access to services such as Employee Assistance Programs is especially low in small businesses. 13,30 In 2020, the majority of construction enterprises in the US had less than 10 employees. 31 The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) has helped lead the efforts nationally in documenting risk and working to identify and create solutions to reduce high rates of OROD.…”

“…A 2017 survey of employers by the National Safety Council indicated that 76% did not offer training on recognizing opioid misuse; 81% lacked a written policy; 41% who test for drugs do not test for synthetic opioids; many lack sufficient insurance coverage for mental health and substance use treatment 28,29 . Based on analysis of responses about employer policies and services for substance use from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only half the respondents had access to workplace support services for substance use problems 30 . Access to services such as Employee Assistance Programs is especially low in small businesses 13,30 .…”