OSHA’s new guidance, “Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications,” is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative, a government-wide effort by the Trump Administration prioritizing addiction treatment and recovery. The fact sheet provides practical information focused on empowering workplaces to recognize the signs of an overdose and act immediately.

“Because fentanyl has infiltrated the illicit drug landscape and acts as a chemical weapon against our people, it is critically important that the American workforce is familiar with drug overdose recognition and reversal," said White House Drug Czar Sara Carter in a news release. "I am grateful to the Department of Labor for informing employers and workers about life-saving overdose reversal treatments like naloxone.”

OSHA’s fact sheet highlights key opioid overdose preparedness strategies, including:

• Keep lifesaving FDA-approved reversal medications – such as naloxone or nalmefene – on hand. These safe, life-saving medications quickly restore normal breathing and generally have no effect if opioids are not present.
• Treat overdose kits like first aid by storing them in highly visible, easily accessible locations, just like automated external defibrillators or standard first-aid kits.
• Educate workers on how to identify critical symptoms of an overdose, such as slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or skin, pinpoint pupils, or unresponsiveness.
• Prepare for rapid action in an emergency by training workers to administer the medication, safely position the individual, and provide supportive care while waiting for first responders.

The initiative is earning praise from employer groups and industry associations. The National Safety Council (NSC) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator’s (GHAI’s) Overdose Prevention Initiative applauded the effort in separate announcements. 

Officials with the NSC said preparation before an incident occurs is key, but not all employers have countermeasures in place. In an NSC employer survey, 28% of respondents said they stocked naloxone at their worksites.

On Nov. 19, GHAI’s Overdose Prevention Initiative will host its annual congressional naloxone training on Capitol Hill, where members of Congress, staff, and the public can learn to recognize an overdose and use reversal medication. 

OSHA’s guidance emphasizes that while these medications are critical, they do not replace emergency services. Workplace responders should always call 911 immediately because the medication’s effects are temporary and professional medical care is still required.

The Department of Labor is committed to supporting workers’ safety and health on the job, along with partners at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies.