August 31 is the International Overdose Awareness Day, and is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose, remember the lives lost, and support the affected families and communities. The day serves as an important reminder of the serious and devastating impact of overdose and is also a call to action to improve prevention, education, and access to lifesaving resources. By raising awareness, International Overdose Awareness Day helps to encourage individuals, workplaces, and communities to take proactive steps to save lives and foster compassion.
A recent article published by the Safety+Health magazine examined the importance of being able to spot unintentional overdoses at the workplace. Workplace deaths linked to drugs or alcohol have increased by more than 600% since 2011, according to Injury Facts, an online database of preventable death and injury statistics maintained by the National Safety Council.
Since 2023, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to provide naloxone in the workplace under certain conditions. Furthermore, employers must ensure these life-saving kits are accessible. One research study found that Canadian workers who previously sustained workplace injuries face significantly higher rates of opioid-related harm compared to the general population. The study results showed that emergency department visits due to opioid poisoning were 2.4 times higher, and hospitalizations were 1.5 times higher. In addition, certain occupations, such as construction trades, materials handling, and machining, demonstrated a greater risk for opioid overdose.
Preparing the workplace for an overdose emergency
Here are some steps listed by Safety+Health magazine you can take to ensure that your workplace is ready to respond to an overdose emergency.
· Keeping naloxone in first aid kits and train workers to use it, since it can be lifesaving in an opioid overdose emergency.
· Training employees to spot the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, which can include the following:
-Person is unresponsive
-Breathing is slow, shallow, or difficult
-Pupils are very small and do not react to light
-Seizures may occur
-Skin feels cold or clammy
-Lips or skin appear blue or gray
-Fingernails have a bluish tint
Moreover, the article also lists the steps to take if you think someone has suffered an opioid overdose:
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Get the first aid kit (or ask else someone to bring it).
3. Administer naloxone in one nostril and press the plunger firmly.
4. If the person is not breathing, you can start CPR and administer the automated external defibrillator if necessary.
5. Stay with the person and monitor responsiveness and breathing until help arrives.
Steps to take post-incident
According to an article published by the medical management and consulting company Viscardi, after a workplace overdose, it’s essential to coordinate follow-up support for the affected worker. This may involve helping them get referrals to healthcare providers, treatment programs, employee assistance professionals, or other supportive resources.
It is also important to consider the well-being of responders, coworkers, and family members who were impacted by the incident. Offering employee assistance programs or mental health services can help them process the experience.
Supervisor Awareness Training (SAT) Online Course
You can improve your team’s readiness and safety with our Supervisor Awareness Training (SAT) Online Course. It is a DOT-compliant, expert-developed program tailored for workplace supervisors. This course is accessible anytime and anywhere, and provides important insights on handling drug and alcohol testing, ensuring your workplace stays compliant, prepared, and protected.
Free Opioid Overdose Awareness Online Course
DATAC is also offering a free Opioid Overdose Awareness Online Course specifically designed to empower individuals and organizations with key knowledge around overdose prevention. This course offers the opportunity to build awareness, learn practical response skills, and help make a difference in your workplace or community.
