The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has teamed up with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to create a new guide focused on opioid prevention.
The mining industry has always been one of the most physically demanding and dangerous sectors. Recently, however, it has been grappling with a new challenge: the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on its workforce. In response to this growing issue, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have teamed up to produce Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry. This comprehensive guide offers mining employers practical strategies to combat opioid use disorder (OUD), support employee recovery, and foster safer, healthier work environments.
But why has the opioid epidemic hit mining so hard, and how can this guide help address the problem? 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 discuss the guide’s significance, development process, and its potential to revolutionize how mining employers approach worker health and safety.
The Impact of the Opioid Crisis on Mining
Despite the rise of automation and advanced machinery, mining remains a physically taxing profession. Workers often endure acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, which has led to the overprescription of opioids for pain management. This, in turn, increases the risk of dependence and misuse. Furthermore, mining operations are often located in remote areas with limited healthcare access, making it even more difficult for workers to receive timely medical assistance.
Jamie C. Osborne, MPH, CHES, Health Scientist at NIOSH, explained, “The nature of mining—long hours, challenging physical conditions, and poor work-life balance—exacerbates the risk of opioid misuse. High injury rates and work-related stress compound the problem.”
A CDC report from August 2023 revealed that the mining industry has one of the highest overdose death rates across all U.S. sectors, ranking fifth among 19 industries analyzed. These concerning figures highlight the urgency of addressing opioid misuse in mining.
Recognizing these distinct challenges, MSHA and NIOSH began working together in early 2022 to create targeted educational materials on opioid use disorder prevention for the mining sector. The guide is based on input from mining employers, safety managers, and health professionals, providing evidence-based strategies that can be practically applied in the workplace.
“We’ve heard consistently from our Miner Health Program partners that they need resources to address worker mental health and substance use issues,” noted Dr. Carol T. Nixon, MS, PhD, Research Health and Evaluation Scientist at NIOSH. “This guide is a direct response to their requests.”
The development process also involved listening sessions with industry stakeholders and a federal research roundtable on opioids in mining, with the goal of identifying effective and actionable solutions for mining operators.
A Tailored Resource for Mining Employers
The guide, Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry, equips employers with strategies to develop programs that prevent OUD and support employee recovery. The guide aligns with NIOSH’s Total Worker Health framework, which integrates safety, mental health, and overall well-being into workplace practices.
Kristin M. Yeoman, MD, MPH, Medical Epidemiologist at NIOSH, emphasized, “This guide not only offers multiple prevention strategies but also highlights the importance of cultivating a supportive health and safety culture where workers feel valued and cared for. It takes a holistic approach to a complex issue, addressing both physical hazards and the stigma around substance use.”
Key recommendations from the guide include:
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Implementing naloxone programs in the workplace
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Strengthening employee assistance programs (EAPs)
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Establishing peer support networks
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Providing opioid awareness and prevention training
“These solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all,” Osborne noted. “We’ve designed this guide to be flexible, so mining employers can tailor it to their unique needs and adjust it as necessary.”
Addressing the Unique Challenges of Mining
Mining presents distinct challenges in preventing opioid misuse. Long shifts and remote locations limit access to healthcare, and the stigma surrounding substance use makes workers hesitant to seek help.
Dr. Yeoman explained, “The workplace is an ideal setting for prevention and recovery support. Employers can play a key role by reducing injury risks, addressing stressors, and fostering a supportive environment.”
The guide was developed using a research-based approach, with MSHA and NIOSH reviewing existing prevention resources, academic studies, and feedback from mining industry professionals.
“This collaborative process ensured the guide is both evidence-based and practical for mining employers,” Dr. Nixon said. “By listening to those in the field, we tailored the guide to meet the unique needs of the mining community.”
In addition to the guide, a worker-focused training program is set to launch in early 2025, developed by MSHA to educate miners about the risks of opioids and effective prevention strategies. This curriculum will complement the employer-focused tools in the guide.
“Our hope is that these resources will not only raise awareness but also provide mining employers with the tools they need to reduce the risk of opioid misuse among their workers,” Dr. Yeoman added.
The publication of this guide marks a crucial step forward in addressing the opioid overdose crisis within the mining sector. However, its success relies on widespread adoption and implementation.
Jamie C. Osborne concluded, “The mining industry has a real opportunity to make meaningful progress in combating the opioid crisis. By prioritizing prevention, we can safeguard workers and build a healthier, safer, and more resilient industry.”
