The opioid crisis is a growing public health emergency with tragic consequences for those who use substances, their families, communities, and workplaces.
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 Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
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 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.
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.
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.
Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program
This temporary program is funded by the Province of Ontario’s Workplace Naloxone Program. Each employer who is required to comply with the OHSA requirements may register for a maximum of:
- free training for two workers per workplace where compliance will be required
- one free order of a nasal spray naloxone kit per workplace where compliance will be required
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.
Naloxone requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Starting June 1, 2023, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) will require 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.