- Opioids and the Workplace: Prevention and Response
- Opioids and the Workplace: Leadership Course
- Opioid and the Workplace Toolbox
- Fentanyl and Other Opioids Training Tool
- COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Mental health and Substance Use, Workplace Solutions
- Other NIEHS Resources
- WTP Technical Workshops
- Federal Links and Documents
- State/Local Links and Documents
- Other Links and Documents
Workers in high-risk occupations or who work in hazardous environments face significant risk of injury, which may lead to opioid or other substance use, overdose, or death. Workers involved in emergency response, law enforcement, health care, and environmental services also face the risk of occupational exposure to opioids. These at-risk workers and other populations often lack the necessary resources and education to protect themselves. The NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) has developed an awareness-level training tool on the prevention of occupational exposure to fentanyl and other opioids, and a second curriculum designed to address the impact of the opioid crisis on workers, the workplace, and the community. Available resources are found below, along with additional health and safety resources related to opioid exposure, use, and prevention.
For additional resources related to occupational exposure to illicit drugs and the hazardous substances used to produce them, please visit our Illicit Drug Exposure page.
Training Resources
The National Clearinghouse creates training tools to aid in the development of awareness-level courses or other awareness-level materials.
Opioids and the Workplace Training Tool
This course is intended for workers and employers who may be impacted by the opioid crisis. The goal of the course is to provide an evidence-based worker awareness training program that identifies workplace risk factors and solutions for opioid use, misuse, and addiction.
In English:- Opioids and the Workplace: Prevention and Response(7.9MB)
- Opioids and the Workplace: Prevention and Response(49.8MB)
- Instructor Training Manual: Opioids and the Workplace: Prevention and Response(28.8MB)
- Supporting Materials for Training Tool
- Agenda(60KB)
- Evaluation Form(143KB)
- Pre-test(100KB)
- Post-test(127KB)
- Resource List(305KB)
- Small Group Activities–Opioids(118KB)
- Flyer(467KB)
- Final Report on the Opioid Training Materials Development Initiative for the NIEHS Worker Training Program(4.1MB)
- Los opioides y el lugar de trabajo: prevención, y respuesta(50.0MB)
- Los opioides y el lugar de trabajo: prevención, y respuesta(17.6MB)
- Materiales de apoyo para la capacitación
- Consejos para el instructor(152KB)
- Actividades de grupos pequeños(114KB)
- Hojas informativas
Opioids and the Workplace: Leadership Course
The leadership version of the course is intended for top leaders from participating organizations who have influence and/or authority to change organizational policy, procedures, and culture to prevent and respond to opioid misuse in the workplace. This may include company/organizational directors, union officials, and other key stakeholders. In non-union settings it is imperative that some rank and file workers are included so that voices from the front lines are heard. The course focuses on identifying gaps and opportunities for organizational system improvements.
- Opioids and the Workplace: Leadership Training(11.6MB)
- Opioids and the Workplace: Leadership Training(4.8MB)
Opioids and the Workplace Toolbox
- Checklist for Workplace Opioid Prevention and Response Programs(465KB)
- Know Your Workplace Legal Rights Related to the Opioid Crisis(369KB)
- Initiatives to Prevent Opioid Misuse and Promote Recovery Friendly Workplace Programs(2.7MB)
- Injured on the Job or at Home? Ask Your Health Care Provider These Questions Before Accepting Opioids(107KB)
- Preventing Workplace Injury and Stress Can Help Stop the Opioid Crisis(2.2MB)
- The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Fueling the Opioid Crisis!(422KB)
- Workplace Action to Combat the Opioid Crisis: What Can Be Done?(231KB)
Fentanyl and Other Opioids Training Tool
This awareness level health and safety training program is designed for emergency responders and other workers who may encounter fentanyl and other opioids in carrying out their job tasks.
- Opioids Training Tool Fact Sheet(3.8MB)
- Prevention of Occupational Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Opioids(54.3MB)
- Prevention of Occupational Exposure to Fentanyl and Other Opioids(7.6MB)
COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Mental health and Substance Use, Workplace Solutions
This awareness level training program may be used to update existing opioid, resilience, or COVID-19 training, or as a stand-alone program.
In English- COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health and Substance Use, Workplace Solutions(126MB)
- COVID-19 Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health and Substance Use, Workplace Solutions(4.5MB)
- Activity Worksheet(89KB)
- Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la salud mental de los trabajadores y el uso de sustancias: soluciones para el lugar de trabajo(151.9MB)
- Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la salud mental de los trabajadores y el uso de sustancias: soluciones para el lugar de trabajo(5.2MB)
- Hoja de actividad(78KB)
Federal Links and Documents
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Fentanyl: Protecting Workers at Risk
- Opioids and Work
- Science Blog: Fentanyl Exposure Risks for Law Enforcement and Emergency Response Workers
- About Workplace Supported Recovery
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Other
State/Local Links and Documents
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services: A Toolkit for Alaska Workplaces
- Massachusetts Health Officers Association and Education Development Center: Opioid Toolkit
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: Fentanyl Safety for First Responders
Please refer to your state or local health department website for additional guidance on health risks related to occupational exposure to opioids and other drugs.
Other Links and Documents
- BeHERE: Behavioral Health and Racial Equity Initiative
- Justice Institute of British Columbia: Fentanyl Safety for First Responders
- National Academy of Medicine Action Collaborative on Countering the U.S. Opioid Epidemic
- Opioids and the Workplace Prevention and Response Train-the-Trainer and Leadership Training Mixed Methods Follow-up Evaluation
- Opioids at Work Employer Toolkit: Building a Recovery-Friendly Workplace
- Shatterproof: Ending Addiction Stigma
- The Rutgers Center for Public Health Workforce Development: Opioids in the Workplace Awareness
- Training Program: What is a Recovery Ready Workplace (RRW)? Why Do We Need Them?