Opioid emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and being prepared can help save a life.
To help employers and workers rapidly respond to opioid-related overdose emergencies in the workplace, OSHA’s new fact sheet “Opioid overdose rescue with reversal medications” aims to help workplaces recognize the signs of an overdose and act immediately.
OSHA’s fact sheet highlights key opioid overdose preparedness strategies, including:
- Keep FDA-approved reversal medications—such as naloxone or nalmefene—on hand. These medications quickly restore normal breathing and generally have no effect if opioids are not present.
- Treat overdose kits the same as you would first-aid kits or automated external defibrillators. Store them in highly visible, easily accessible locations.
- 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.
OSHA’s fact sheet emphasizes that while these medications are critical, they are temporary and do not replace emergency services. Workplace responders should always call 911 immediately.
White House Drug Czar Sara Carter said it is critically important that the American workforce is familiar with drug overdose recognition and reversal. “I am grateful to the Department of Labor for informing employers and workers about life-saving overdose reversal treatments like naloxone.”
