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.