Prescription Opioid and Benzodiazepine Medications and Occupational Safety and Health

Prescription opioid medications intended for pain management and prescription benzodiazepines for conditions such as anxiety or insomnia, when used alone or together, often have side effects that can affect workers' health and safety. In addition, some occupational factors, such as work-related motor vehicle crashes, falls, other injuries and job stress, have the potential to increase the chances that a worker is given a prescription for an opioid or benzodiazepine. CDC has developed resources for improving communication between clinicians and patients about the risks and benefits of opioid therapy for pain, improving the safety and effectiveness of pain treatment, and reducing the risks associated with long-term opioid therapy, including opioid use disorder (a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress), overdose, and death. This fact sheet summarizes findings from the scientific literature and provides information from relevant CDC and NIOSH publications for employers and healthcare providers about the prescription use of opioids and benzodiazepines.