Construction Industry

On-the-job accidents and injuries related to alcohol or drug use can be a significant source of revenue loss to employers. In New Mexico, the Workers Compensation Act states that compensenation claims filed for on-the-job injuries resulting from accidents in which drugs and alcohol are involved will not be paid. As a result, many on-the-job accidents related to alcohol are likely to be unreported or uninvestigated, and statistical information on the exact cost to employers of alcohol and drug-related accidents is unavailable.

However, several studies have shown that employees in certain specific industries are at a higher risk for on-the-job alcohol and drug use than others. Among these industries is specialty trade construction. Employers involved in specialty trade construction should be aware that alcohol and drug use can be contributing factors in the type and frequency of on-the-job accidents.

Falls from elevation (121 claims) are a major problem for workers in this construction industry. The categories of being struck by or against objects resulted in 98 claims. Back injuries from overexertion, lifting objects resulted in 60 claims. Falls on the same level were responsible for 55 claims. Other significant claims activity involved bodily reaction; being caught in, under or between (machines/objects); overexertion, wielding; overexertion, pulling or pushing objects/unspecified and motor vehicle accidents. Parts of body most involved were the back (108); multiple body parts (68); knees (62); fingers (43); hand and trunk (39 each); feet (34); wrists (26) and ankles with 25.

Although not industry-specific, it is important to note that Truck Drivers were number two on the List of Occupations with the Twenty Highest Newly Reported Indemnity Claims in New Mexico for 2001 with 278 claims. Helpers, Construction Trades were fifth with 192 claims. Carpenters were sixth with 170 and Construction Laborers seventh with 169. Young workers/new employees significantly populate this industry, are at risk and require attention. Attention is also needed to overcome safety problems presented by multiple languages in use at construction sites throughout the state. We need to consider ways and means to develop a safety language that everyone understands.

The complete 2001 workers' compensation claims analysis for construction businesses can be found below, in addition to other laws, rules and regulations relating to drugs and alcohol in the workplace. If you have any questions about this material, please call us at (505) 881.1084 and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

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• Complete 2001 Workers' Compensation Claims Analysis (PDF 136K) - Business Services
• NM Workers' Compensation Act - excerpt regarding payment of benefits for accidents involving drugs and alcohol.
• HIPAA Statement (PDF 33K) - Privacy rights do not extend to employee drug/alcohol testing information
• Drug-free Workplace Act 1988, Abstract (PDF 29K)
• General impact of alcohol/drugs in the workplace (PDF 50K)
• NM Unemployment Compensation Precedent Manual (PDF 47K) - Unemployment benefits are not payable if drugs or alcohol were involved in employee's dismissal.
• U.S. DOT Drug Testing Procedures (PDF 1.2 MB) - Complete text of Title 49, Part 40 CFR, "Procedures For Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs"

Other Internet resources for information:

• Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
  
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  
• New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OSHA)
  
• New Mexico Worker's Compensation
  
• American Industrial Hygiene Association
  
• Association of Commerce and Industry of New Mexico