Opioids in the Workplace
The effects of opioid use and misuse are not isolated to work or home environments, and the potential for opioid use disorder may be preceded by injuries that happen in the workplace, with the consequences affecting both an individual’s working life as well as their home life.
By using Total Worker Health® principles, NIOSH is developing solutions to help workers and employers facing this crisis in their communities. Learn more about the specific steps NIOSH is taking to approach this challenge.
Workplace Supported Recovery
In Workplace Supported Recovery programs, employers use evidence-based policies and programs to reduce multiple risk factors, from helping to prevent first substance use to decreasing the risk for substance misuse and the progression to a substance use disorder. Workplace Supported Recovery programs also include steps to help workers who have a substance use disorder seek the care they need and provide assistance in recovery, to include staying at work or returning to work.
This approach is consistent with NIOSH’s broad perspective on Total Worker Health®, which advocates for protection from work-related hazards and risks while also embracing prevention efforts, both on and off the job.
NIOSH is seeking assistance in better understanding Workplace Supported Recovery programs, developing new information and resources, and identifying related research needs. To offer your input, please visit https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=CDC-2020-0001-0001external icon to provide public comments
Total Worker Health® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.