The opioid crisis is a growing public health emergency with tragic consequences for those who use substances, their families, communities, and workplaces.

Canadian Red Cross is a proud program provider for the Ontario Workplace Naloxone Program. Our role is to support employers that are required under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)to provide a naloxone kit in their workplace by offering free workplace naloxone training for up to two workers and/or one free nasal spray naloxone kit.
 

Important Dates: Ontario Workplace Naloxone Program Ending Soon

 

March 15, 2024 

  • Last day for workplaces to register to access free naloxone kit (value $108/kit) and free training for up to two employees (value $30/person).
  • Last day for workplaces to register to access free training (only) for up to two employees.

March 31, 2024

  • Last day for workplaces to register to order naloxone kit only. 
  • Last day for employees to complete online training, if the workplace wishes to receive a free naloxone kit upon completion of the training.


Note: Beyond March 31, 2024, employers are still required to comply with naloxone requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, however, all costs associated with compliance will be taken on by the employer. The temporary funding provided by the Government of Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program for workplaces to access free training and naloxone kits will no longer be available. The paid option for training will remain available at $30.00 per person.

Register now

ON Workplace Naloxone Program – First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies Training

Red Cross naloxone training and distribution meets all requirements under the OHSA. Our free, self-directed online course offers specialized training in 45–60 minutes. Workers will learn about opioids and how they affect the body, how naloxone works, and how to administer nasal naloxone.

Employers registering workers for training do not need to submit a separate request for kits. When registering for worker training (up to two workers per workplace where compliance will be required), you will be able to indicate if you require the naloxone kit for that workplace location.

Upon successful completion of the worker training by the registered workers, one free nasal spray naloxone kit will be automatically shipped to the registered workplace. Employers are limited to a maximum of one kit per eligible workplace notwithstanding the number of workers who successfully complete training.

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

Register now for the free ON Workplace Naloxone Program.

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 and/or order kits for each workplace location. A separate registration form will need to be submitted for each workplace location. Multiple registrations/orders for the same workplace location will not be funded through Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program.

Training additional employees

If your workplace requires additional employees to be trained, the Canadian Red Cross is offering the Ontario WNP course at $30.00 per person. Sign up here to purchase additional training. Please note naloxone will not be available to these participants or their workplaces as the program is limited to one naloxone kit per organization. After successful course completion, the employee will be issued a certificate of completion for the ON Workplace Naloxone Program - First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies course. For questions about group discount rates and invoicing, please contact wnp@recdcross.ca.

Order kits

If you are ordering a kit only and do not require training, you will be required to submit an attestation confirming that the naloxone kit will be in the charge of a worker who works in the vicinity of the kit and has received the required training under the OHSA.

Employers will be required to attest in the registration that they have not previously registered for or received a free naloxone kit through Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program for the workplace location requested.

Register now to order a free nasal naloxone kit for your organization and submit an attestation if training is not required. Please note that prior first aid training (such as Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid) is not recognized as training that complies with the naloxone requirements in the OHSA.

Naloxone requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Effective June 1, 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires employers to provide and maintain naloxone kits 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 the 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.

If you have any questions, please email WNP@redcross.ca or call 1-888-881-8098.

The Canadian Red Cross is a national expert in Prevention and Safety education, training more than 1.8-million Canadians each year.

Funding provided by:
Government of Ontario