National Poison Prevention Week Shines Light on Workplaces Effected by Opioid Use

Three out of four workplaces in America have been impacted by opioid usage according to a new survey from the National Safety Council (NSC). This week, which is National Poison Prevention Week, the Wisconsin Safety Council is working with NSC to bring attention to the opioid epidemic, which kills someone every 12 minutes. The nationwide survey found 38 percent of employers have experienced absenteeism or impaired worker performance due to opioids and 31 percent have experienced a near miss/injury, overdose or an arrest. While such a large percentage of employers have experienced the effects of opioid usage, only 17 percent feel confident in dealing with the issue. During Poison Prevention Week specifically, Wisconsin Safety Council will be focusing on actionable items for individuals to implement at home, work and on the go throughout the week.