Addressing opioid overdose deaths in the workplace

On average, 115 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, according to 2017 data from Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Since then, the United States has experienced a surge of overdose deaths during the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a CDC health advisory (https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/han00438.asp) issued in December of 2020. Some states have reported an increase in opioid deaths as high as 98%.

Overdoses are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. Naloxone can reverse many of the potentially fatal side effects of an opioid overdose. Having naloxone on hand can provide a tool that a workplace can use while waiting on first responders to arrive on the scene.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed this video based on our fact sheet (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2019-101/default.html) to help employers decide if having naloxone available is right for their workplace. It provides a series of steps for employers to consider when deciding whether their workplaces should make the overdose reversal medication available on-site in the event of an overdose. It also gives employers and workers information on how to implement and maintain a workplace naloxone program.

Overdose deaths from opioids are a serious health issue in the United States. Naloxone is an effective drug for reversing opioid overdoses. Consider establishing a naloxone program in your workplace.