NSC applauds inclusion of naloxone in updated ANSI/ISEA First Aid standard

The National Safety Council (NSC) applauded ANSI and ISEA’s revision of the American National Standards Institute (Z308.1-2026) standard for workplace first aid kits to include lifesaving opioid overdose reversal medication.

The updated standard reflects the evolving risks affecting workplaces today, including opioid overdoses and gaps in emergency preparedness.

It adds naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, and introduces first aid training guidance, reinforcing the need for workplace personnel trained in first aid, CPR and AED administration - especially in areas where emergency medical services (EMS) may not be immediately available.

While compliance with this standard is voluntary, OSHA refers to it as a guideline for employers.

“With 8% of workplace deaths caused by drug overdose, employers must be prepared to act quickly to save a life,” said Lorraine Martin, NSC CEO. “The National Safety Council is proud to have worked alongside ISEA to advance the inclusion of naloxone and stronger first aid training guidance in this standard. We urge all employers to update their emergency preparedness plans with the tools and training that can help save lives."

NSC said it has led efforts to reduce preventable overdose fatalities since 2012 through research, employer resources, policy advocacy, and education programs. NSC has advocated for naloxone to be as accessible in the workplace as fire extinguishers and AEDs.

The Council also supports the bipartisan Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits (WORK) to Save Lives Act, which would expand access to naloxone nationwide. Today, only 28% of employers report having naloxone at worksites, according to an NSC survey.

To support employers, NSC offers a free tool to help build effective opioid overdose response plans.