NSC ramps up fight against workplace overdoses

Itasca, IL — The National Safety Council has launched a new set of initiatives targeting opioid overdoses in the workplace.

Overdoses account for nearly 10% of workplace fatalities and are the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. 

One of those initiatives is a free e-learning course, which covers:

• Symptoms and signs of an overdose
• How to administer opioid overdose reversal medication
• How to incorporate those medications into a workplace safety plan
• Hands-only CPR

NSC has also introduced its Workplace Wellbeing Hub – an online and interactive resource that includes customizable policies, data collection and data use guides, and a benefits checklist to see what services a workplace provides. 

Additionally, the council is partnering with Emergent BioSolutions, the maker of NARCAN Nasal Spray, to provide access to the overdose reversal medication. Employers can purchase the medicine via NSC and have it delivered to their workplaces.

“Workplace overdose deaths are occurring at devastating rates, and we know more can be done to save lives,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine M. Martin said. “By providing essential tools, resources and education, we can empower workplaces to be prepared, be resilient and, ultimately, save lives. We implore employers to join NSC in stocking these medications at all worksites.”