The U.S. Department of Labor has released new workplace guidance on opioid overdose preparedness as part of the Trump Administration's Great American Recovery Initiative.
The guidance, titled "Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications," provides practical information to empower workplaces to recognize the signs of an overdose and act immediately. The fact sheet recommends keeping FDA-approved reversal medications such as naloxone or nalmefene on hand, storing overdose kits in highly visible and easily accessible locations like standard first-aid kits, and educating workers to identify critical symptoms such as slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or skin, pinpoint pupils, or unresponsiveness.
"Today's guidance, released as part of President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative, is exactly the kind of action we were tasked with delivering for the American people," said Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling in a statement.
The guidance also recommends that workplace responders train workers to administer the medication, safely position the individual, and provide supportive care while waiting for emergency services. OSHA emphasizes that these medications are critical but do not replace calling 911 immediately, as the medication's effects are temporary and professional medical care is still required.
White House Drug Czar Sara Carter noted in a statement that because fentanyl has "infiltrated the illicit drug landscape," it is "critically important that the American workforce is familiar with drug overdose recognition and reversal." The Department of Labor is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies to support workers' safety and health.