Workplace overdose deaths have increased 536% since 2011 and overdoses are now the cause of nearly one in 11 worker deaths on the job. Opioids are the main cause of these deaths and no employer is immune: all employee demographics, industries and occupations are impacted.
The opioid epidemic can significantly affect workplaces, impacting safety, employee health and wellness, and even an employer’s bottom line. Opioids can impair thinking and reaction time, which can lead to serious errors when performing tasks that require focus, attention to detail or the need to react quickly.
Recent FDA approval of naloxone nasal sprays for over-the-counter use gives your workplace a new lifesaving tool to prevent these deaths. Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily stop many of the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose. Including naloxone in your workplace first aid kit or elsewhere onsite, and training employees to use it, is a critical component of emergency response to help save a life.
Source: nsc.org
