According to statistics, from 1999 to 2017 more than 700,000 people died from a drug overdose – 400,000 of them involving opioids. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published “Using Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace: Information for Employers and Workers” in 2018. In short, the NIOSH recommends the following steps: Conduct a risk assessment; assess potential liability and other legal issues; develop procedures for documenting incidents; define roles and responsibilities; train staff to lower their risks; stock a minimum of two doses of naloxone; store naloxone in accordance with manufacturer instructions; store protective equipment and other first aid equipment close to naloxone; develop a plan for immediate care by professional healthcare providers; evaluate the program periodically; monitor developments on best practices; and schedule regular refresher training.
