Free Naloxone Training
In recent years, there has been growing concern over the opioid crisis in Canada, which has unfortunately claimed countless lives.
As part of an effort to combat this crisis and enhance safety in workplaces across Ontario, the government has introduced the Free Naloxone Program.
This program is aimed at providing essential training and resources to individuals and workplaces to respond to opioid overdoses effectively.
In this article, we will explore what Naloxone is, why it’s vital to have Naloxone kits and training, and how you can determine if your workplace needs it.
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an emergency treatment administered to individuals who are experiencing an opioid overdose.
It is a critical tool that can reverse the effects of opioids temporarily, buying precious time for medical professionals to arrive on the scene. Naloxone is typically given on the spot to the person in distress, often a matter of life and death.
Why It’s Important to Have Naloxone Kits and Training
Having Naloxone kits and proper training in their use is essential for several reasons:
Immediate Response: Opioid overdoses can happen suddenly and progress rapidly. With Naloxone readily available and trained individuals on hand, a swift response can save lives.
Ease of Use: Naloxone kits are designed to be user-friendly, and with the right training, anyone can learn how to administer them effectively.
Workplace Safety: In certain workplaces, the risk of opioid overdose is a real concern. Having Naloxone kits and trained personnel on-site can significantly enhance workplace safety.
Community Well-being: Beyond workplaces, having Naloxone kits accessible in public spaces and communities can help protect individuals who may encounter opioid overdose situations.
How Do You Know If Your Workplace Needs It?
Determining whether your workplace needs Naloxone kits and training is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your employees.
According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), employers must provide Naloxone kits in the workplace under specific circumstances.
Here’s how you can assess if your workplace requires Naloxone:
Risk of a Worker Opioid Overdose
The OHSA requirements mandate that an employer must provide a Naloxone kit when they become aware, or reasonably ought to be aware, of the risk of a worker having an opioid overdose in the workplace.
This awareness can come from various sources, such as previous overdose incidents, disclosures by workers, or the observation of opioid use on-site.
However, it’s important to note that if a worker is using opioids as prescribed by a medical practitioner under medical supervision, this alone may not create an awareness of a potential workplace opioid overdose risk.
Risk Within the Workplace
To fall under OHSA requirements, there must be a risk of a worker having an opioid overdose in the workplace where they perform their duties for the employer.
The risk should be associated with the workplace itself, not outside of it. For instance, if a worker is on leave and at risk of an overdose but is not working, the OHSA requirements may not apply.
Risk Posed by a Worker Employed by the Same Employer
The OHSA requirements specifically apply when the risk of a worker having an opioid overdose is posed by a worker whom the same employer employs.
If a worker from a different employer creates the risk on a shared worksite, only the employer of the at-risk worker would be required to provide a Naloxone kit.
Rescue 7 – Your Partner in Naloxone Training
Rescue 7 is among the few training providers in the Ontario government’s Free Naloxone Program.
Our role is to support employers who are required under the OHSA to provide a naloxone kit in their workplace by offering free workplace naloxone training for up to two workers.
Each employer who is required to comply with the OHSA requirements (an “Eligible Employer”) may register for a maximum of free training for two workers per workplace where compliance will be required (an “Eligible Workplace”)
To access free Naloxone training and kits through this program, visit the link here.
Conclusion
The Free Naloxone Program in Ontario is a significant step forward in addressing the opioid crisis and enhancing workplace safety.
Understanding the circumstances under which your workplace needs Naloxone is crucial, and the OHSA requirements provide clear guidelines in this regard.
Your proactive approach to Naloxone training could significantly save lives and promote a safer work environment for all.
To register for your free Naxolone Training and kits, visit the link here.
Sources:
How employers can determine if they need to provide naloxone in the workplace