NSC Introduces New Initiatives to Combat Opioid Crisis
These latest efforts aim to reduce the rising rate of workplace overdoses.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Mar 27, 2024
The National Safety Council (NSC) has announced new measures aimed at curbing the opioid crisis in the U.S. workforce. Recognizing the rise in workplace fatalities due to overdoses, the NSC focuses on immediate improvements in employee education, workplace safety protocols and access to emergency overdose treatments.
"Workplace overdose deaths are occurring at devastating rates, and we know more can be done to save lives,” NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin said in a statement. “By providing essential tools, resources and education, we can empower workplaces to be prepared, resilient and ultimately save lives. We implore employers to join NSC in stocking these medications at all worksites."
These efforts include a complimentary e-learning course on opioid overdose that educates workers about the prevalence of opioid misuse, how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to properly administer opioid overdose reversal medication. The course further supports the NSC’s mission with basic training in hands-only CPR.
The NSC has also launched the Workplace Wellbeing Hub, an online platform offering resources to address various workplace health issues, with an initial focus on substance abuse. The hub provides tools for policy formulation, employee training, benefits evaluation, and data analysis, aiming to foster safer and healthier work environments.
To enhance the availability of life-saving treatments, the NSC has partnered with Emergent BioSolutions, the manufacturer of NARCAN Nasal Spray. This collaboration enables employers to purchase the medication in bulk directly from the NSC website, ensuring that workplaces are equipped to handle overdose emergencies.
The NSC's actions represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the opioid crisis in the workplace, from preventive education to emergency response. More information about the NSC’s new initiatives is on the Respond Ready Workplace webpage.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.