As a small business owner, the safety and well-being of your employees are likely among your top priorities. In recent years, the rise of fentanyl has added a new dimension to the challenges you face in maintaining a safe work environment. Understanding what fentanyl is, why it’s so dangerous, and how it could impact your workforce is crucial for creating a secure, drug-free workplace.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid originally developed as a painkiller for use in surgeries. It's known for its extreme potency — approximately 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.¹ Because of its strength, even a tiny amount of fentanyl can be deadly.

Fentanyl's danger lies in its high potency and the ease with which it can be mixed into other substances. Drug dealers often lace or replace other drugs like heroin, cocaine, or even counterfeit prescription pills with fentanyl to increase their profitability. The result is a substance that can cause overdose with just a small amount, especially when users are unaware of its presence.

For businesses, this is particularly concerning. An employee using what they believe is a less potent drug might inadvertently consume fentanyl, leading to a potentially fatal overdose. This risk is compounded by the fact that fentanyl overdoses can occur rapidly, leaving little time for intervention.

If an employee is using substances laced with fentanyl, the consequences can be severe and wide-reaching. Overdoses can happen suddenly, even in the workplace, creating a dangerous situation for the individual and those around them. Beyond the immediate health risks, substance misuse can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and a higher likelihood of accidents on the job.

As fentanyl becomes more common in the illicit drug supply, the risk of accidental exposure increases. This not only threatens the safety of the individual user but also places other employees at risk, especially in environments where quick response times are critical, such as in construction, manufacturing, or any industry requiring the operation of heavy machinery.

So what should you do? To safeguard your workplace, consider implementing a clear, comprehensive drug-free workplace policy. Such a policy should include regular education about the dangers of fentanyl and other substances, access to resources for employees struggling with substance use, and possibly even the use of drug detection services.

Educating employees on the risks of fentanyl is vital. Many people are unaware that drugs they consider "safe" might be adulterated with fentanyl. Providing this information can help deter use and encourage employees to seek help if needed.

Another key step is to make resources available for employees who may be battling substance use. This could include providing access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), substance use counseling, or connections to local addiction treatment services.

One proactive measure that can make a significant difference in emergency situations is including naloxone in your workplace first aid kits. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose, including those caused by fentanyl. Having naloxone readily available and ensuring that staff are trained in its use can save lives in critical moments. It's a simple yet powerful tool that can be part of your broader strategy to ensure a safe working environment.

The rise of fentanyl represents a significant challenge for small business owners, but by staying informed and proactive, you can protect your workforce. By educating your employees, offering support for those in need, implementing strong prevention measures, and including naloxone in your first aid kits, you can help mitigate the risks associated with this deadly substance.

Citations:

1. Fentanyl. (n.d.). https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/Fentanyl%202022%20Drug%20Fact%20Sheet_1.pdf

Source:

Why is fentanyl so dangerous? An emergency room doctor explains. (2023, November 20). Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/health/2023/11/why-is-fentanyl-so-dangerous-an-emergency-room-doctor-explains.html?outputType=amp