OSHA Highlights Workplace Opioid Overdose Preparedness

Employers have new federal guidance to help them recognize and respond to opioid overdoses at work. On Sept. 24, 2026, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a fact sheet supporting the Trump Administration’s Great American Recovery Initiative.

The fact sheet, “Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications,” encourages employers to consider keeping medications such as naloxone or nalmefene available in the workplace. It does not impose new compliance requirements.

Preparing the Workplace

OSHA’s recommendations address both access to medications and employee readiness:

• Placement and storage: Keep medications in visible, accessible locations, such as alongside automated external defibrillators or first aid kits, and follow product storage instructions.
• Supply management: Monitor expiration dates, ensure medications are properly stored and replenished, and assign someone to manage the supply.
• Employee training: Consider creating a voluntary training program on recognizing overdose symptoms, administering the available medication, and safely positioning the individual while waiting for emergency responders.

OSHA indicates that potential overdose symptoms include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness. Responders should call 911 immediately, even if the individual regains consciousness after receiving medication. According to the fact sheet, the medications’ effects are temporary, additional doses may be necessary, and emergency medical care remains essential.

Employer Considerations

Employers may consider using OSHA’s guidance to evaluate their emergency response procedures, medication supplies, and training needs.

State requirements also warrant attention. For example, beginning Dec. 12, 2026, New York law requires private employers subject to federal OSHA first aid supply requirements to have an opioid antagonist available for workplace first aid or emergency treatment. California also enacted two measures addressing opioid antagonists in the workplace. Assembly Bill 1976 directs Cal/OSHA to develop regulations that would require workplace first-aid materials to include naloxone or another FDA-approved opioid antagonist, while Assembly Bill 2150 requires employers that mandate CPR certification for employees to also require those employees, subject to certain exceptions, to complete approved naloxone-use training.