National Safety Council Launches Program to Combat Overdose Deaths in Workplace

Sept. 22, 2023
by EHS Today Staff, EHS Today 

“The opioid crisis has reached every corner of society, affecting workers in all industries and occupations," said Lorraine Martin, CEO of NSC.

The increase of the number of deaths on the job due to drug overdoses has hit an all time high. It has increased 536% since 2011.

To help address this situation the  National Safety Council  (NSC) recently  launching a new workplace safety program, Respond Ready Workplace, designed to increase awareness of the need for naloxone in workplaces and ensure people are trained to use it.   

 “The opioid crisis has reached every corner of society, affecting workers in all industries and occupations. By equipping workplaces with naloxone and the knowledge to use it, we can make a tangible difference in saving lives, from the workplace to anyplace,". said Lorraine Martin NSC CEO, in a statement.  

Key highlights of the Respond Ready Workplace initiative include: 

1. Advocacy and Education: Most employers do not understand the tragic data on the increasing fatalities in the workplace. NSC will provide educational materials to raise awareness about the opioid crisis and the importance of naloxone in mitigating its impact.  

2. Employee Training: NSC will provide comprehensive training resources to educate employees on the proper administration of naloxone, empowering all workers to respond swiftly and effectively in emergency situations.  

3. Naloxone Distribution: The program will guide employers on how to obtain and incorporate medications like naloxone into their workplace first aid kits or other accessible locations. 

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