Digital tool a 'critical step in prevention and early intervention efforts'
Substance use, especially opioids, is a growing threat in Canada's labour-intensive industries, where high physical demands and long hours are part of the job. Digital Public Square (DPS), a Toronto-based nonprofit, is tackling this crisis with Level Up, an innovative digital tool designed to help health and safety professionals raise awareness and offer critical resources to workers in trades, construction, forestry, and mining.
“We see Level Up as a critical step in prevention and early intervention efforts,” says Effie Argyropoulos, project lead at DPS. “Health and safety leaders can have a huge impact by championing this tool and disseminating it widely to their workforces.”
Serious crisis in labour-intensive industries
Workers in trades and other physically demanding sectors face a disproportionate risk of substance use, especially opioids. In 2023, 8,049 people in Canada died from apparent drug poisonings—an average of 22 deaths a day. According to DPS, up to 50% of those employed at the time of their substance-related death worked in labour-intensive jobs.
“These deaths were largely accidental,” Argyropoulos explains. “Level Up was created to raise awareness about the worsening opioid crisis among those who need this information most.”
The reasons for this high risk are complex. Physically demanding work leads to injuries and chronic pain, which can drive workers to use opioids for relief. Many also work long hours or at remote sites far from family and support networks, increasing feelings of isolation. The financial pressures of these jobs add another layer of stress, pushing some workers towards substance use.
How Level Up supports workers
Level Up is a publicly accessible digital tool that provides workers with education on opioids, harm reduction, and access to recovery services. Its standout feature is a comprehensive directory of harm reduction resources across Canada, including B.C., Alberta, and Ontario. The platform’s design prioritizes privacy, ensuring users can access help anonymously.
“We know this is a highly stigmatized topic,” Argyropoulos says. “Level Up allows people to engage with information privately and anonymously, protecting them from repercussions like job loss or social judgment.”
Health and safety professionals can easily incorporate Level Up into workplace safety programs. DPS offers toolkits to help employers integrate the tool into staff onboarding and training. By raising awareness and providing crucial information early, Level Up can prevent issues before they escalate.
“If we can deliver this information in a more engaging way than traditional formats, the likelihood of retention is higher,” Argyropoulos says. “That means workers will know what to do before a problem gets worse.”
Addressing the stigma
One of the biggest barriers to addressing substance use is the fear of stigma. According to DPS research, 44% of workers feel uncomfortable discussing substance use with colleagues, and 57% feel uneasy raising the issue with employers. Additionally, 18% of those surveyed were unsure if their employer offered any resources for help.
“The tool provides tips on how to broach difficult conversations with a colleague who may be struggling,” Argyropoulos explains. “It equips workers with the knowledge and confidence to offer support, even if they don’t know how to start the conversation.”
By providing guidance on recognizing the signs of substance use and knowing where to find support, Level Up helps break down the stigma, making it easier for workers to get help without fear of judgment or retribution.
Role of health and safety professionals
While Level Up is primarily designed for workers, health and safety professionals play a crucial role in making it a success. They can advocate for the tool and ensure it reaches as many employees as possible. By embedding Level Up into regular health and safety practices, employers can create a safer, more supportive workplace environment.
“Employers have a key role in knowledge translation,” Argyropoulos says. “By advocating for and disseminating Level Up to their workforce, they can have a huge impact.”
As Level Up evolves, DPS will continue to offer the tool to the public for free. For organizations that need customized content, there may be associated costs, but the core goal remains the same: to provide life-saving information and support to those who need it most.
