OSHA publishes workplace opioid emergency fact sheet

OSHA released a fact sheet Sept. 24 - Save a Life Day, during National Recovery Month - to help employers and workers rapidly respond to opioid-related overdose emergencies in the workplace.

Opioid emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and being prepared can help save a life. OSHA's new guidance, "Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications," is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a government-wide effort by the Trump Administration prioritizing addiction treatment and recovery.

The fact sheet provides practical information that focuses on empowering workplaces to recognize the signs of an overdose and act immediately.

"President Trump has charged the Department of Labor with making recovery part of our workforce strategy, helping more individuals return to work and ensuring our businesses have the workers they need," said Keith Sonderling, Acting Secretary of Labor. "Today's guidance, released as part of President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative, is exactly the kind of action we were tasked with delivering for the American people."

Opioid overdose preparedness strategies

OSHA's 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 AEDs 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.

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

“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," said Sara Carter, Office of National Drug Control Policy Special Advisor to President Trump.