Drug poisoning deaths by occupation and drug type, Massachusetts 2010–2019.

This article investigates variation in drug poisoning mortality rates by drug type and occupation among Massachusetts workers from 2010 to 2019. Using death certificate data coded by occupation and controlling for demographic factors, the study found that workers in farming, fishing, and forestry; construction trades; health care support; community and social service; food preparation and serving; personal care and service; and arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations had significantly elevated drug poisoning mortality rates. Patterns differed by drug type, with fentanyl- and cocaine-related deaths increasing over the period, and health care practitioners showing elevated methadone-related mortality only. The findings underscore the importance of targeting prevention and support efforts to high-risk occupations and call for further research into occupational factors influencing use of opioids, psychostimulants, and benzodiazepines.