Protecting Workers, Saving Lives.
Take Action to Combat Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace
Discover life-saving tools, strategies, and resources to address opioid overdoses in your workplace.
The Opioid Crisis: A Workplace Safety Priority
The opioid crisis poses a growing threat to workplace safety, especially with the rise of fentanyl—a potent synthetic opioid often mixed with other drugs without users’ knowledge. Naloxone is highly effective in reversing fentanyl overdoses, making it an essential tool for emergency preparedness.
An estimated 12.6% of the U.S. workforce receives an opioid prescription each year[1], and 59% of employers report being directly affected by opioids, according to the National Safety Council[2]. Employers play a vital role in the national response, as workplace policies and benefits can shape outcomes in both prevention and recovery. The economic burden is substantial as well—estimated at $179 billion annually—driven by lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, high turnover, and legal risks[3]. Join the Call for Employer Action >>
Prevent & Respond to Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace
ISEA is committed to supporting employers in addressing this public health crisis. Our organization has responded to the White House’s call to action, is advocating for naloxone in workplace safety kits, and is actively partnering with others to educate employers. ISEA joins leading organizations like SAMHSA, NIOSH, and OSHA in promoting the availability of naloxone as a critical workplace safety tool. Read More >>
“Employers must act now to incorporate overdose prevention into their safety protocols.”
— ISEA Experts
What Employers Can Do Today
Naloxone should be made available near first aid resources, especially now that it’s available over the counter without a prescription. Employers can easily incorporate it into their emergency preparedness plans. Training employees to recognize and respond to overdoses is also crucial. The process is straightforward—often simpler than CPR or AED use—and naloxone is safe to administer even when opioids are not present. Lastly, creating a supportive workplace culture by offering education, recovery resources, and policies that reduce stigma is essential to prevention and protection.
Resources
Download Your Workplace Response Plan Template
Real-World Impact: Saving Lives with Preparedness
Across the country, public and private organizations are proving that preparedness saves lives. These examples highlight how accessible naloxone and training can make an immediate difference:
- Amazon: Stocking Narcan at warehouses as part of their emergency preparedness strategy.
- Read Article >>
- Guilford County, NC: Free naloxone vending machine installed at the Triad Health Project office to increase community access.
- Read Article >>
- California: Statewide initiative allows residents to purchase generic naloxone online for just $24 per twin-pack.
- Read Article >>
- Laredo, TX: Naloxone distribution and community education campaigns helped reduce overdose deaths by over 50%.
- Read Article >>
- Long Island, NY: After losing her son to fentanyl, a mother’s advocacy led local stores to carry Narcan behind the counter.
- Read Article >>
- National media coverage: The Washington Post features real-life stories of ordinary individuals using Narcan to save lives in emergency situations.
- Read Article >>
