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Adele L. Abrams is an a orney and safety
professional who represents companies
in li ga on with OSHA and also provides
safety training and consulta on. The Law
Office of Adele L. Abrams PC has three
offices: Beltsville, MD; Denver, CO; and
Charleton, WV.
She may be reached at safety-law.com or
301-595-3520.
specific standard exists but where the employer had reason
to know of a "recognized hazard " (the impaired worker) that
could cause death or serious harm to the worker himself
or others, and there is a feasible method of prevention
(e.g., drug testing, zero tolerance programs). Penalties
of up to $161,000 per exposed worker can be issued.
OSHA does not currently require inclusion of Naloxone
as part of first aid supplies, but it is a best practice. It is
generally available free for employers through public health
departments, police and fire departments, or other sources.
Many construction organizations have been offering free
Narcan administration training at conferences and events,
including a kit with two doses (it can take more than one
to revive an individual who has OD'd). e National Harm
Reduction Coalition offers free Narcan kits by mail.
e bottom line is that opioid overdoses are life-threatening,
but they are treatable—and preventable through effective
substance abuse programs that include supervisor training,
employee education, and accessible employee assistance
programs. When you know the overdose symptoms and how
to react, you help keep others safe.
But the easiest OD to address is the one that never occurs.
If you or someone you know struggles with substance
use, help is available. Call SAMHSA's National Helpline
at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to learn about resources
in your area.
