Naloxone

Updated: August 31, 2023

Opioids, such as heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone, are a common cause of drug poisoning. Opioid overdoses (also referred to as opioid poisoning) can cause respiratory failure and death. Naloxone is a drug that can be used to quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Effective June 1, 2023, there are new requirements under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) regarding naloxone kits in the workplace. In particular, if the University becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of a worker who may be at risk of an opioid overdose at a workplace where they perform work for the University, the University will be required to provide, and maintain in good condition, a naloxone kit in that workplace.

 

Reporting a risk of opioid overdose by a worker

If you become aware of a worker who may be at risk of an opioid overdose in the workplace, please contact Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)’s Occupational Health Team at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca. Our Occupational Health Team consist of healthcare providers (occupational health nurses and doctor) who will follow  all applicable requirements with regard to privacy and confidentiality.  Such a risk may become apparent, for example, through self-disclosure by a worker, observation of opioid use in the workplace, or the discovery of discarded opioid paraphernalia (e.g., used needles) in the workplace.

EHS will consider the circumstances and, if applicable, conduct a risk assessment and develop an individualized safety plan. A safety plan may include, but would not be limited to, local and/or personal access to naloxone kits, wellness checks, emergency contact plans, increased campus and safety patrols.

For clarity, managers are not required to administer naloxone unless it is part of an agreed upon individualized safety plan. In those unique situations, appropriate training will be provided to all individuals who may be required to administer naloxone.

 

Risk of opioid overdose by a student

While the new OHSA requirements do not apply to students, the University has procedures in place to support its students. For any student-related opioid overdose risk on campus, students should be referred to Health & Wellness to schedule an appointment with a physician who will discuss resources and develop an individual safety plan with the student.

Student Health & Wellness:

 

Naloxone Kits (Nasal spray) – Emergency response

To support the University community (including workers, students, and visitors), Campus Safety on each campus will be trained on the use of naloxone kits and equipped as needed.

For any opioid-related medical emergencies, please contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS, (9) 911) and your local Campus Safety group: 

  • U of T St. George Campus Safety: 416-978-2222
  • U of T Mississauga Campus Safety: 905-569-4333
  • U of T Scarborough Campus Safety: 416-978-2222

All health and safety incidents should be reported through the online accident/incident report.

For additional information, please refer to:

Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 25.2

Regulation 559/22 Naloxone Kits

Naloxone in the Workplace

 

Resources for Individuals

For the University Workplace Naloxone Program, First Aid for Opioid Poisoning Emergencies, as idenitfied above, Campus Safety are equipped and trained to meet provincial requirements under the OHSA. For individuals who wish to find out more about opioid poisoning for their own personal knowledge and for concerns outside of the University, they can reach out to these programs.

Naloxone Program at the UofT Discovery Pharmacy (resource for individuals)

Where to get a free naloxone kit for individuals

Free Harm Reduction Training/Becoming an Opioid Harm Reduction Champion from the Canadian Red Cross

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

  1. What is naloxone and what is it used for?

Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It can be administered as an injection or a nasal spray. At the University, Campus Safety will be trained and equipped with the nasal spray form of the drug.

Opioids are drugs that may be prescribed by a medical practitioner to treat pain. However, opioids are also used recreationally. Some commonly used opioids include morphine, heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine, and hydromorphone.

Naloxone only reverses overdose from opioids. It will not reverse overdoses from other kinds of drugs, such as benzodiazepines or stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines. (Source: Ontario Government’s Naloxone in the Workplace).

For more information about the effects of naloxone use, please refer to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Naloxone FAQ.

 

  1. Where can I find naloxone kits on campus?

Campus Safety will be trained and equipped with naloxone kits (nasal spray). For any opioid-related medical emergencies, please contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS, (9) 911) and your local Campus Safety group: 

  • U of T St. George Campus Safety: 416-978-2222
  • U of T Mississauga Campus Safety: 905-569-4333
  • U of T Scarborough Campus Safety: 416-978-2222

 

  1. Where do I go for assistance if I am at risk of an opioid overdose in the workplace?

For employees: Employees who believe that they are personally at risk of an opioid overdose in the workplace are encouraged to contact EHS at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca. It is also recommended that employees discuss their concerns with their medical practitioner.

For students: Students who believe that they are personally at risk of an opioid overdose should contact Health & Wellness to schedule an appointment with a physician. It is also recommended that students discuss their concerns with their medical practitioner.

Student Health & Wellness:

For opioid overdose concerns involving others, please contact EHS at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca.

 

  1. What are signs that a worker may be at risk of an opioid overdose?

Set out below is a non-exhaustive list of scenarios that may give rise to a concern that a worker is at risk of an opioid overdose in the workplace:

  • Observed opioid use in the workplace.
  • Past incidents of opioid overdose in the workplace.
  • Self-disclosure by a worker of opioid use or potential opioid overdose.
  • Presence of opioid paraphernalia in the workplace (e.g., used needles).

If you become aware of the scenarios above or have any questions about a potential overdose risk that has come to your attention, please contact EHS at ehs.occhealth@utoronto.ca for additional guidance.