TORONTO – Workplaces at risk for witnessing and experiencing opioid overdoses can received free naloxone kits and training.
Naloxone is a potentially life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.
“Ontario, like the rest of Canada, is in the middle of an opioid epidemic made worse by a toxic supply of recreational street drugs,” said labour minister Monte McNaughton in a press release.
“Our government is the first in North America to require naloxone kits be accessible in at-risk workplaces by June 1, 2023, to raise awareness for those struggling with addiction, reduce stigma and save lives.”
In 2021, 2,819 people died from opioid-related causes in Ontario – the highest number on record and up from 366 in 2003.
Of the workers who died from opioid-related causes last year, 30 per cent were employed in construction – by far the most impacted industry.
Bars and nightclubs have also seen increased opioid usage and accidental overdoses, often because of recreational drugs laced with deadly opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil.
For the next two years, the province will provide free nasal spray naloxone kits to businesses at risk as well as free training for staff.
Businesses can determine if they are eligible for the program at Ontario.ca/workplacenaloxone.
