Overdose Deaths

Workplace unintentional overdose deaths from nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol have increased 536% since 2011. Overdose deaths totaled 464 in 2021, equivalent to nearly 9% of all occupational injury deaths in 2021. Increases have been experienced among all employee demographics, industries and occupations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks the number of workplace unintentional overdose deaths involving the nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol through the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) surveillance system. This category excludes accidental exposure to drugs such as during manufacturing, dispensing or administration of a drug; drugs taken for therapeutic use; vaccines; suicides and other purposeful injuries resulting from drugs; and drug overdoses in which the intent is unknown.

Explore the latest overdose death trends using the visualization provided below.

  • Chart
  • Data Table
How to Use Injury Facts® Charts and Tables

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (in cooperation with state, New York City, District of Columbia, and federal agencies), Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.