The new requirements for Naloxone in the workplace come into force June 1, 2023. As always, BCOHS has been engaged in this change through our written comments through the consultation phase and since then through conversation with Ministry staff. Here are our thoughts on this change to the Act:
The only guidance document that will likely be made available is the information found on this page:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/naloxone-workplace
There is now a regulation addressing the naloxone kits themselves. There is no other regulation planned at this time.
The guidance provided from the website page addresses the risk of an incident where you must comply. In summary, if there are no obvious indicators of a likely overdose in your workplace by a worker performing work for your employer (described more fully in the guidance document) then you do not need to comply.
As further guidance, the use of opioids itself is not a trigger enough to say they’re going to overdose in the workplace. Your risk assessment must see obvious signs that opioids are being used in the workplace.
In cases where an employer might decide to establish kits and have trained workers because they have an interface with the general public and they wish to be a good corporate citizen, a company should clearly document the decision to outfit the kits and train workers. In this case the company is taking the action for the good of the general public they interface with and not for ‘at risk workers’ in their workplace.