New online resource helps employers respond to opioid overdoses

The National Safety Council (NSC) released a new online resource to help employers establish an opioid overdose response plan. The Overdose Emergency Planning Tool is designed to address a gap in workplace safety preparedness and aid employers in responding to on-the-job opioid overdoses.

To help determine how much naloxone, a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, is needed for their workplace, the tool allows users to provide relevant information, such as industry, number of employees per shift, and an estimate of how long it would take for emergency personnel to respond to an opioid overdose emergency. The tool then:

• Generates individualized findings and offers detailed recommendations; and
• Provides information on topics such as naloxone storage/placement considerations, relevant laws, and how to start an opioid overdose response program.

Users can access the tool on NSC’s website.