What's Working ASCCSAFE Fall 2023
In the construction industry, the rise of opioid misuse presents a significant challenge for companies striving to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. As opioid overdoses become a pressing concern, construction businesses grapple with the need for effective prevention and response strategies. The nature of the industry, with its physically demanding tasks and potential for workplace injuries underscores the urgency of addressing opioid related risks to ensure the well-being of all workers.
The number one resource to lead this effort for all organizations faced with this challenge is the introduction of Narcan/Naloxone, a lifesaving medication designed to swiftly reverse opioid overdoses. Until recently, access and information on this lifesaving drug has been challenging. In the face of these challenges, the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), has taken a significant stride by collaborating with various industry stakeholders to launch an initiative aimed at addressing opioid overdoses in the workplace.
Leading this effort is the introduction of the Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace (ANSW.org) website. Behind this website is a coalition with prominent industry leaders such as DPR, Dimeo and Gilbane construction along with AGC of Missouri and AGC of Washington along with several other well-known contractors and industry associations and training developer Mind Forge all of whom are contributing to this undertaking. The ANSW website provides a comprehensive array of resources specifically tailored to assist construction companies in confronting the opioid crisis proactively.
The ANSW website serves as a beacon of hope for construction companies, providing a centralized hub of information and tools. At its core is a user-friendly platform that offers a Naloxone policy template, ensuring companies have a robust framework in place to prevent opioid related fatalities on their projects. With options for customizable Word document or fillable PDF formats, the template accommodates various organizational structures making it adaptable for companies of all sizes.
To further support companies without a learning management system (LMS), ANSW offers a comprehensive library of assets. These assets, which are available for download can be used seamlessly integrating into existing training initiatives or used independently to educate and empower workers about opioid dangers and response protocols. This inclusive approach reflects ANSW’s commitment to making vital resources accessible to all construction companies irrespective of their current technological infrastructure. What that means is we want to meet all our members where they are at, you have an LMS, great, the SCORM files are free, upload them into your existing LMS and start utilizing the training. No LMS, that is fine, download the PDF study guides, tests, and answer key and watch the training videos directly on the ANSW website. It is easy as that; there is no fee either way!
In addition to these groundbreaking features, ANSW’s training development partner developed a video course that not only educates workers about opioid overdose risks but also provides practical training on the administration of Naloxone nasal spray. Accessible through a mobile app on iOS and Android, the course is an ideal solution for organizations seeking immediate administration of opioid overdose training without a learning management system (LMS).
In the face of the opioid crisis, construction companies now have a powerful ally in the form of the alliance for Naloxone safety in the workplace (ANSW) initiative. By embracing these resources and tools available on the NSFW website contractors can fortify their safety protocols, empower their employees, and contribute to a safer and healthier future for our industry.