NSC Statement on Enactment of Naloxone Bill in Illinois

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Safety Council applauds the enactment of legislation in Illinois making opioid overdose reversal medication, such as naloxone, accessible in State workplaces when training on use and administration are available. Nationally, overdoses account for nearly 1 in 10 worker deaths on the job and have increased by more than 600% since 2011. With tens of thousands of people employed by the State of Illinois, this law is a step towards saving lives on the job.

NSC believes it is critical workplaces are ready to respond to a potential opioid overdose. Through the NSC Respond Ready Workplace program, our efforts focus on three critical pillars: opioid overdose and naloxone awareness, access to naloxone in workplace first aid kits and other locations, and adoption of programs to ensure workplaces and their employees are equipped to respond in case of an emergency. By providing lifesaving training to workers, safer workplaces and safer communities are also created, as these individuals carry their training with them wherever they go.

With this bill becoming law, there is no question workplaces, communities and homes across Illinois will become safer. As America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate, we look forward to continuing to serve as a trusted partner to state government and its agencies and urge all workplaces across the country to provide lifesaving resources and training.

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.