The drug overdose epidemic continues to afflict our country. Nationally, there were more than 70,000 drug overdose deaths in 2017iinvolving opioids (such as fentanyl, heroin and hydrocodone), stimulants (such as cocaine and methamphetamine), and alcohol.ii Nearly 70% of these deaths involved an opioid.ii
Recent data show that drug overdoses at work are increasing. A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics national data identified that while drug overdose deaths were less frequent compared with other causes of occupational injury deaths, there was an annual increase of 24% in drug overdose deaths between 2011 and 2016. Opioids, including heroin and prescription drugs, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl accounted for 44% of the drug overdose deaths at work between 2011 and 2016.iiiIllicit drugs such as methamphetamine, phencyclidine (PCP) and cocaine accounted for 24% of these deaths.