What are the lessons to be learned from Michael Jackson’s death?

I will always remember Michael Jackson as the seemingly carefree and talented little boy who wove his way into people’s hearts with his music. Although that picture changed through the years as he abandoned the face he was given, he still managed to spark curiosity and wonder wherever he went.

Whatever his legacy to the music world, he has followed in the footsteps of other talented stars who died too young. Elvis Presley and Judy Garland are just two of the greats who used drugs in order to perform.

The lesson the trade show industry should take from Michael Jackson’s death is this: Although he may have been ill from any number of causes, it will come out that he died from a toxic mixture of painkillers that forced his heart to stop beating.

In this crazy industry of stress and hard labor to get shows up and out at a record pace, we too have seen a large number of our fellow workers die too young. And it wasn’t just stress that killed them. In order to work around the clock, it’s been estimated that a large number of industry workers take drugs, perhaps one-third. And once they’re off the clock and all the aches and pain begin to settle in, they take drugs to relax. Then it’s time for another show and the cycle starts all over again.

One of the first investigative stories I assigned in this business had to do with the tremendous drug use rampant in our industry. No one would talk about it on the record, because of job loss or possible lawsuits that would result if there were accidents on the show floor due to drug use. Workers would rather leave the floor without treatment for all sorts of injuries, than be treated and then have to undergo drug testing.

If studies have shown us anything, it’s that drugs of all kinds kill.

Michael Jackson’s children are now without a father. Do you want to leave the same legacy for your children or your co-worker’s children? Just as taking away car keys from a drunk driver is the responsible thing to do – and the sign of a true friend – telling someone they need to get help and get off drugs is the right thing to do.

The convention industry has started drug treatment programs in the past that have had some success, but without widespread support, they are doomed to failure. It could be your life on the line when a lift operator is working stoned on the floor. It could be your exhibit destroyed by a careless mistake brought on by drug use. It could be your company money that’s stolen to support a habit. This is not someone else’s problem, it’s our problem.

It’s time to speak up. If you don’t already have a drug treatment program at your company, start one. Make sure there are no reprisals for those reporting drug abuse or those seeking help.

As Michael Jackson would sing, “Beat It!”