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On September 24th, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a fact sheet on workplace opioid emergencies. Specifically, the new resource was created to help employers and workers rapidly respond to opioid-related overdose emergencies in the workplace. According to the agency, opioid emergencies can happen anywhere, including at work, and being prepared can help save a life. Called “Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications,” the new guidance is part of the Great American Recovery Initiative (Initiative). This practice is a government-wide effort by the Trump Administration to focus on addiction treatment and recovery. The concept of dealing with opioid emergencies discussed in the fact sheet falls under the OSH Act and OSHA’s “General Duty Clause.” Indeed, both regulations apply to most employers in most workplaces. Earlier, in March 2026, OSHA released a new workplace job safety and health notice to inform workers about their rights under the OSH Act.
What Is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)?
Overall, OSHA's mission is to assure America's workers have safe and healthful working conditions. Workplaces must also be free from unlawful retaliation. According to the agency, it carries out its mission by:
- setting and enforcing workplace safety standards;
- enforcing anti-retaliation provisions of the OSH Act and other federal whistleblower laws;
- providing and supporting training, outreach, education, and assistance on workplace safety programs; and
- working collaboratively with state OSHA programs, making sure that they are at least as effective as federal OSHA.
Finally, the OSH Act covers safety requirements for most private sector employers and their workers. The Act also covers some public sector employers and workers in the 50 states, certain territories, and federal jurisdictions.
What Is the General Duty Clause?
As noted earlier, the OSH Act establishes and enforces workplace safety and health standards. In doing so, it guarantees safe and healthy working conditions for men and women. Notably, the “General Duty Clause” requires that all employers:
- shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees; and
- shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
To comply with the OSH Act’s General Duty Clause and avoid OSHA safety violations and costly litigation, employers should recognize and fix common workplace hazards. On a small scale, these common workplace hazards could include blocked exit routes, trip hazards, and unstable stacked items. They may also include any issues discussed in OSHA’s recently released Safety Champions Program.
What Is Included in the New Opioid Emergencies Fact Sheet?
OSHA’s Opioid Overdose Rescue with Reversal Medications resource highlights key opioid overdose preparedness strategies, including how to:
- keep lifesaving FDA-approved reversal medications – such as naloxone or nalmefene – on hand. Chiefly, these safe, life-saving medications quickly restore normal breathing and generally have no effect if opioids are not present.
- treat overdose kits like first aid kits and automated external defibrillators by storing them in highly visible, easily accessible locations.
- educate workers on recognizing critical symptoms of an overdose. Examples include slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or skin, pinpoint pupils, or unresponsiveness.
- prepare for rapid action in an emergency by training workers to administer the medication, safely position the individual, and provide supportive care while waiting for first responders.
Employer Takeaways
In conclusion, as mentioned previously, OSHA’s General Duty Clause applies to most businesses. Importantly, OSHA’s guidance, be it this new fact sheet or previous agency regulations, stresses that while the actions suggested to be taken during opioid emergencies are critical, they do not replace emergency services. Workplace responders should always call 911 immediately.
Lastly, workplace safety should be at the forefront of every employer's mind. Moreover, the release of the opioid emergencies fact sheet serves as a timely reminder to all employers to achieve compliance with OSHA workplace safety requirements applicable to such events.
To support employers, WorkWise Compliance now offers monthly and annual compliance plans to help businesses meet their legal obligations under workplace laws, including virtual consulting services on key labor law compliance topics. These services can help impacted businesses address current and proposed OSHA regulations on proper workplace safety practices.
