OSHA’s New Guidance on Opioid Overdose Response at Work
Workplace emergency preparedness
OSHA’s New Guidance on Opioid Overdose Response at Work
OSHA has published a new fact sheet, Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications, to help employers and workers prepare for opioid-related emergencies in the workplace. The guidance treats overdose response as an important part of a wider first-aid and emergency-preparedness plan.
Opioid emergencies can happen in any setting. A calm, prepared response can help protect a colleague, contractor, customer, or visitor while professional medical help is on the way.
What OSHA Recommends
OSHA highlights the value of keeping FDA-approved opioid overdose reversal medications, such as naloxone or nalmefene, readily available where appropriate. These medications can temporarily restore normal breathing when opioids are involved, but they do not replace emergency medical care.
Keep Supplies Accessible
Store overdose-response kits in visible, easy-to-reach locations, similar to first-aid kits or AEDs.
Recognize Warning Signs
Slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or skin, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness all require urgent action.
Call 911 Immediately
Emergency services are always required. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions while help is on the way.
Train Workplace Responders
Workers should understand the product instructions, safe positioning, and supportive care while awaiting first responders.
Which Workplaces May Benefit?
This guidance is relevant to any organization with an existing first-aid, health-and-safety, or emergency-response plan. It may be especially useful for healthcare and dental practices, pharmacies, clinics, schools, colleges, hospitality businesses, retail environments, warehouses, construction sites, transport operations, community facilities, salons, and body-art studios.
Employers can consider where emergency supplies should be located, who should coordinate inspections and expiry dates, and how overdose response fits alongside current first-aid procedures. Any workplace plan should also reflect applicable state or local rules, product instructions, and the needs of the site.
Free awareness course
Build Familiarity Before an Emergency Happens
We have created a short, interactive workplace opioid-overdose preparedness course based on OSHA’s new guidance. It is free to take, includes a certificate of participation, and can also be added free at checkout alongside any other training purchase.
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