Introducing Naloxone in the Workplace

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Overview

For a limited time, Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program will provide initial support to employers who are required to comply with the Naloxone requirements in the OHSA (Occupational Safety and Health Act). This program provides free naloxone training in Ontario for up to two workers per eligible workplace.

Health & Safety Professionals Inc.(HSPI) is a proud program training provider for the Ontario Workplace Naloxone Program. Our role is to support employers who are required under the OHSA to provide a Naloxone kit in their workplace by offering free workplace Naloxone training for up to two workers.

Each employer who is required to comply with the OHSA requirements (an “Eligible Employer”) may register for a maximum of one free training each for two workers per workplace where compliance will be required (an “Eligible Workplace”).

Please note: HSPI offers Naloxone training to employers with more than two workers who need to be trained. Training for additional workers (three or more) will not be funded under this program and will be charged on a per-person basis. Send us an email at info@hspinc.ca to discuss further.

About Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program

As of June 1, 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires employers to provide and maintain a Naloxone kit in the workplace if the employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that there may be a risk of a worker opioid overdose at a workplace where that worker performs work for the employer.

Those employers must also ensure that, at any time there are workers in the workplace, the Naloxone kit is in charge of a worker who:
• works in the vicinity of the kit, and
• has received training to recognize an opioid overdose, to administer naloxone and to acquaint the worker with any hazards related to the administration of naloxone.

Learn more about how employers can determine if they need to provide naloxone in the workplace.

This temporary program is funded by the Province of Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program.

Register for Naloxone in the Workplace Training Program

Health & Safety Professionals Inc. is only responsible for providing free Naloxone training. Register for a free Naloxone kit on the Government of Ontario’s website.

Eligible Employers will be required to attest at the time of registration that they have not previously registered for or received free training through Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program for the requested Eligible Workplace location.

Register for the free “Introducing Naloxone in the Workplace” training course.

Group Of Workers Discussing The Naloxone Implementation Plan In Ontario, Canada

Choose from Three Learning Formats

Classroom Training

Classroom Training

Experience a live demo of administering Naloxone in this classroom training. The duration of the training is 2hrs.

Online Distance Learning

Online Distance Learning

Live instructor-led training with interactive case studies. Delivered virtually, the duration of this course is 1hr 30mins.

Elearning

eLearning

Self-paced online training. It takes approx. 45 mins for a learner to complete the entire eLearning course.

Multiple Workplace Locations

If you have multiple eligible workplaces that meet the OHSA requirements for Naloxone, you are eligible to register additional workers for training for each eligible workplace location.

Multiple registrations/orders for the same workplace location will not be funded through Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program.

Privacy Notice

As part of program administration and evaluation of the provision of free Naloxone training to eligible employers through Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program, data related to business type, workplace size, and business postal code, as well as anonymized learner training evaluation results, will be collected and disclosed in aggregate to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (the “Ministry”) and its third-party service providers. The Ministry or its auditors may also request the records of Health & Safety Professionals Inc. related to the Program for audit purposes, including, without limitation, requesting copies of the attestations provided by registrants.

By proceeding with registering for this Naloxone training, you hereby consent to the collection, use and disclosure of such information, by and to the Ministry, its auditors and its third-party service providers for the purposes set out above.

Any questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of information for the Workplace Naloxone Program by the Ministry can be directed to the Training and Awareness Branch, Prevention Division, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) by email at PreventionFeedback@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-416-212-9871.

Government Of Ontario

For questions, please contact us:

Email: info@hspinc.ca
Phone: +1 (705) 254-3752

Naloxone in the Workplace Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication classified as an opioid antagonist designed to reverse the effects of opioid overdose rapidly. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, displacing the opioids and temporarily blocking their effects, restoring normal breathing and preventing potential fatalities.

Naloxone is phonetically pronounced as “nuh-LOX-own.”

A naloxone kit typically comprises the medication naloxone in a user-friendly form, such as a nasal spray or an injectable solution. Alongside the medication, it contains instructions on how to administer naloxone effectively in an emergency situation.

Naloxone is primarily used as an emergency treatment for opioid overdoses. When administered promptly to someone experiencing an overdose, it can counteract the depressive effects of opioids on the central nervous system, particularly breathing difficulties, and quickly restore normal respiratory function.

Naloxone is used in situations of suspected opioid overdose, where a person is exhibiting signs of opioid intoxication, such as unconsciousness, slow or irregular breathing, or unresponsiveness. It’s crucial to administer naloxone as soon as possible during an overdose event.

Naloxone kits are available at various locations, including pharmacies, harm reduction programs, community health clinics, and through specific government initiatives aimed at combating opioid overdose. In some regions, they can be obtained for free or at a subsidized cost.

Naloxone training involves educating individuals on recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose, proper administration of naloxone, including techniques for nasal spray or injectable delivery, and understanding potential risks and side effects associated with its use.

In many regions, naloxone kits are provided free of charge as part of harm reduction initiatives or government programs designed to increase accessibility and availability to those at risk of opioid overdose. However, availability and costs may vary by location.

Efforts are made in various places to make naloxone widely accessible. While there might be variations in regulations, it’s often available to anyone, including family members, friends, or individuals who may be at risk of witnessing or experiencing an opioid overdose. Training is often recommended or required to obtain naloxone.

Naloxone can typically be obtained by attending training sessions provided by various organizations, pharmacies, or health agencies. Upon completion of the training, individuals are often provided with naloxone kits. Some locations might have specific guidelines or requirements for obtaining naloxone.

Eligible employers under the OHSA requirements are permitted to register for one free training for up to two workers per workplace. This program aims to aid workplaces where there’s a recognized risk of opioid overdose.

The “Ontario Workplace Naloxone Program” is an initiative designed to provide support to employers obligated to comply with the Naloxone requirements outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). It offers free Naloxone training to eligible workplaces to equip workers with the skills to recognize opioid overdose, administer naloxone, and handle related hazards.

Each eligible employer can register for a maximum of one free training for two workers per workplace as mandated by the program.

Yes, the program provides free training for up to two workers per eligible workplace. Training for additional workers (beyond two) will not be funded under this specific program and may be charged on a per-person basis.

Employers needing to train more than two workers can contact HSPI directly via email at info@hspinc.ca to discuss further training options, though these additional training will likely not be funded under this specific program.

Employers must assess their workplace for potential risks of opioid overdose. If there’s a likelihood of such a risk, they are obligated under OHSA to provide and maintain a Naloxone kit and ensure trained personnel are available to handle it.