For the first time in U.S. history, a person is more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than a motor vehicle crash, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Seventy-five percent of employers report being directly affected in some way by employee opioid misuse yet only 17% feel extremely prepared to address it.
To close this gap, the National Safety Council has developed the Opioids at Work Employer Toolkit, a suite of materials for employers that includes resources for four specific groups found in a typical workplace setting: supervisors, human resources professionals, safety professionals and employees.
The toolkit includes sample policies, fact sheets, presentations, safety talks, posters, white papers, reports, videos and more so employers can implement a workplace program regarding opioids.
The materials will help employers understand how opioids affect the workplace; recognize signs of impairment; educate employees regarding the risks of opioid use, develop drug-related human resources policies; and support employees struggling with opioid misuse.
