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EDMONTON — A new report says people employed in Canada’s oil and natural gas industry are seeking help for alcohol dependency in extremely high numbers and face working conditions that put extraordinary stress on families.
The study by the Shepell.fgi Research Group says in the past three years the number of energy industry employees seeking counselling for drinking problems is up by 481%.
The study says part of the problem is the energy industry includes large numbers of transitory workers who live far away from home.
It also says spouses of energy sector employees who move to another region to find work face isolation and job schedules that can lead to higher levels of substance abuse.
The report says a high rate of addiction is a concern because it can affect workplace safety.
The research group says to deal with the problem companies should offer stress management education to workers and establish policies that help prevent alcohol abuse.