Building Safer Workplaces Through Opioid Awareness

The opioid epidemic remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in the United States, and its impact reaches deep into the workplace. A recent National Safety Council (NSC) survey found that while 75% of U.S. employers acknowledge opioids have affected their workforce, only 17% feel prepared to address the issue, exposing a dangerous gap in readiness.

The consequences are sobering:

• Nearly 1 in 3 employers have reported workplace accidents, overdoses, or arrests tied to opioid use.
• Construction workers die from opioid overdoses at over seven times the national average, making high-risk industries especially vulnerable.
• Workplace overdose deaths have surged 536% since 2011, with unintentional drug overdoses now accounting for nearly 1 in 11 workplace fatalities.

Although recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data offers a glimmer of hope, showing that U.S. drug overdose deaths fell nearly 27% from 2023 to 2024, their lowest levels since 2019, the workplace remains a critical front in this fight.

National Opioid Awareness Day on Sept. 21 is a vital reminder that employers play a pivotal role in prevention, preparedness, and saving lives. One program leading the way is the NSC’s Respond Ready Workplace (RRW) initiative, designed to equip organizations with the tools and training to respond effectively to opioid emergencies.

Partnering for Impact

Over the past year, Captive Resources has partnered with the NSC to deliver in-person RRW training at multiple risk control workshops for the group captive member-companies we support. This collaboration has helped companies strengthen their safety culture and prepare for life-or-death moments.

Through this partnership:

• More than 5,000 group captive member-companies and workshop attendees have received RRW training.
• More than 8,000 doses of Narcan have been distributed to members and attendees.
• Participants gained access to practical resources, including implementation guides, free e-learning courses, and information about NSC’s partnership with Emergent BioSolutions, offering Narcan at a discounted rate.

These efforts ensure employers are not only aware of the opioid crisis but are also equipped with the tools to act quickly and confidently when it matters most.

Resources for Employers

Employers can take meaningful steps today to build an opioid awareness and response program in their workplace. The NSC offers a variety of resources to help.

• Respond Ready Workplace Program Overview
• Implementation Guide
• Free NSC E-Learning Course
• NSC/Emergent Narcan Purchase Program

By raising awareness, providing training, and making life-saving tools readily available, we can help turn the tide on this crisis together. Our partnership with the NSC demonstrates that when organizations commit to preparedness, they’re not only protecting their employees but also building a stronger, safer workplace for everyone.