At a press conference earlier this week a number of Democratic state senators from across Connecticut announced their intent to pass legislation which would classify substance use disorders as an occupational disease, which would qualify those suffering from them for worker’s compensation.
As a result, a Connecticut worker dealing with addiction or a number of related issues could be entitled to to workers compensation. The senators making the announcement, Saud Anwar of South Windsor and Jan Hochadel of Meriden pointed to instances of workers developing opioid addictions after being prescribed medication due to workplace related injuries, which eventually lead to workers losing their lives.
““They take pain medicines to try to continue to do their shift and whatever work is in front of them. This is a vicious cycle and before you know it, they are dependent on these medications, highly addictive chemicals, and then they are seeking heroin and other things,” Anwar said. “This is an occupational disease, and this is preventable.”
“Classifying substance use disorders as an occupational disease would hold employers responsible for treatment, as the condition would be considered a result of employment. While it’s straightforward to link opioid addiction to a prescription for job-related pain, extending this classification to all substance use disorders, including alcohol and drugs like cocaine, presents a more complex challenge,” said Zachary Pottle, a writer for the Addiction Center in his coverage of the event.
“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,” said Kyle Zimmer, health & safety and director of the members assistance program for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478. “I’m sick and tired of burying fellow tradespeople.”
Anwar and Hochadel plan to put the bill forward during the 2025 legislative session.
