New OSHA Guidance on Workplace Opioid Emergencies

First Responders at a Workplace Injury Incident

OSHA has released a fact sheet to help employers and workers rapidly respond to opioid-related overdose emergencies in the workplace. Being prepared can help save a life.

The new OSHA guidance, “Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications” explains how to recognize signs of an overdose and act immediately.

The new fact sheet highlights key opioid overdose preparedness strategies, including:

  • Keep lifesaving FDA-approved reversal medications – such as naloxone or nalmefene – on hand. These safe, life-saving medications quickly restore normal breathing and generally have no effect if opioids are not present.
  • Treat overdose kits like first aid by storing them in highly visible, easily accessible locations, just like automated external defibrillators or standard first-aid kits.
  • Educate workers on how to identify critical symptoms of an overdose, such as slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or skin, pinpoint pupils, or unresponsiveness.
  • Prepare for rapid action in an emergency by training workers to administer the medication, safely position the individual, and provide supportive care while waiting for first responders.

The guidance emphasizes that while these medications are critical, they do not replace emergency services. Workplace responders should always call 911 immediately. The medication’s effects are temporary, so professional medical care is still required.

Facts on Opioid Abuse

A National Safety Council survey found that 75% of employers report that opioid use has impacted their workplace. However, only 17% report being extremely well-prepared to address the issue. Approximately half of all respondents 18 years or older who reported misusing opioids had full- or part-time jobs in 2021.

The top three industries with the highest numbers of drug overdose deaths at work from 2011-2016 were:

  • Transportation and Warehousing
  • Construciton
  • Healthcare & Social Assistance

Risk Factors for Opioid Misuse or OUD

  1. Work-related illnesses or injuries
  2. Chronic medical conditions
  3. Over-prescription in employee health services or health plans
  4. Over-prescription in workers’ compensation medical care

Workplace Policies That Affect Workers

  1. Workforce education about risks of OUD
  2. Workplace drug testing
  3. Availability of medical-assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD
  4. Integration of opioid-affected workers back into the workplace
  5. Reasonable accommodation policy
  6. Return-to-work policy

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