**The big picture:** A new Department of Labor guidance highlights the urgent need for employers to address the opioid overdose epidemic as a workplace issue, not just a personal one. **Why it matters:** With over 70% of adults with substance use disorder employed, companies must integrate overdose response, including naloxone availability, into standard workplace safety protocols to protect employees and mitigate risks. **Between the lines:** - Over 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2025, with overdose deaths increasingly contributing to workplace fatalities. - Only 28% of employers report having naloxone available, despite its FDA approval, over-the-counter availability, and ease of use. - Construction, with its physically demanding work and high injury rates, is particularly susceptible to opioid use. **Staffing & HR impact:** HR leaders must review and update safety policies to include overdose response, integrate recovery support into benefits, and cultivate a culture where employees feel safe seeking help without fear of job repercussions, impacting compliance and talent retention. **The bottom line:** Proactive measures like stocking naloxone and pursuing Recovery Friendly Workplace certification are becoming essential for modern workplace safety and employee well-being.