According to 2017 data from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, on average 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose—and it is happening more often at work. Between 2013 and 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics finds overdose deaths at work from nonmedical use of drugs and alcohol increased by at least 38% annually.
Naloxone can be one of the first-aid tools of today’s workplace. To help employers decide whether to supply naloxone at work, NIOSH has released a new fact sheet that outlines questions to consider. Using Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdose in the Workplace: Information for Employers and Workers gives an overview of opioids and naloxone, a checklist to determine whether a naloxone program is appropriate, and information about how to implement and maintain a program.
The fact sheet is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2019-101/.