OSHA Issues Fact Sheet on Opioid Overdose Response at Work

Washington employers and workers should be prepared to respond to an opioid overdose on the job, according to a recently published OSHA fact sheet. The fact sheet forms part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, described in an agency press release as a governmentwide effort by the Trump administration prioritizing addiction treatment and recovery. The document covers how opioid overdose reversal medications work, how employers can acquire them, how to maintain them, training topics for workers, and additional resources.

Fact Sheet Scope and Purpose

The fact sheet provides details on opioid overdose reversal medications and related workplace preparations. It is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the document stresses readiness for on-the-job incidents.

Recommended Safety and Health Practices

Overdose kits should be stored like first aid kits in highly visible and easily accessible locations. Workers should receive education on identifying symptoms such as slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or skin, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness. Training should cover administering the medication, safely positioning the individual, and providing supportive care while awaiting first responders. Workplace emergency responders must call 911 immediately, as the medication effects are temporary and professional medical care remains necessary.

Related Standards and Resources

Earlier this month ANSI/ISEA published an updated standard on workplace first aid kits (Z308.1) that includes opioid overdose reversal medications. The National Safety Council offers detailed information and training on creating a respond-ready workplace. “It is critically important that the American workforce is familiar with drug overdose recognition and reversal,” White House Drug Czar Sara Carter said in the Sept. 24 release. According to Safety+Health Magazine, the fact sheet aligns with these updates.

OSHA encourages employers to integrate these elements into existing emergency planning.