Do You Have a Plan to Deal with Overdoses at Work?

Have you considered a naloxone program for your job site? Everyone hopes that their people are drug-free, but a study run by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) tells us something different. Below we provide impactful information to consider. 

Workplace Overdose Statistics 

• Nearly half of workplace overdose deaths occurred in three industries: transportation and warehousing, construction, and healthcare and social assistance.
• One-third of workplace overdose deaths occurred in businesses with fewer than 10 employees.
• The largest category of drugs used in workplace overdose deaths were illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabinoids, and heroin.
• Heroin was the drug most frequently associated with workplace overdose deaths.

Workplace Drugs and Naloxone Programs

Drugs aren’t allowed on the job site and you’d probably be quick to discipline or fire anyone you suspected of coming to work high. But the disciplinary system doesn’t guarantee no drugs are on the site. In the event of an opioid drug overdose, whether accidental or deliberate, swift administration of naloxone can save a life.

If you want to consider establishing a naloxone program at work, you can get more information from NIOSH.

The Importance of Jobsite Drug Safety 

Jobsite safety saves lives, not just in the moment, but also over the long term. Too often, a drug habit starts with a workplace injury and a legitimate, doctor-ordered prescription for painkillers. By preventing accidents and injuries at work, you may prevent painkiller addiction and death by overdose.

Resources and Information Regarding Workplace Drug Use

Below are additional resources with information about drug use and abuse at work. You can access:

• The CDC’s webpage on opioid abuse
• OSHA’s Drug-Free Workplace Alliance webpage
• The National Safety Council’s webpage with information on opioids