08/06/2025
The Hidden Crisis in Your Workplace: Why Supervisor Training Can't Wait
Workplace overdose deaths have increased by 536% since 2011. That's nearly 1 in 11 worker deaths on the job.
With 13.6 million workers in the U.S. struggling with substance use disorders, the question isn't if this will impact your workplace—it's when.
The Reality Check:
✅ 70% of adults with substance use disorders are employed
✅ 75% of employers report opioid use impacting their workplace
✅ Only 17% of supervisors feel prepared to address workplace issues
✅ Workers with substance issues miss 5 more weeks annually than their peers
The Solution: Reasonable Suspicion Training
Proper supervisor training isn't just about compliance—it's about:
• Prevention over reaction: Identifying early warning signs before accidents occur
• Professional response: Handling situations with empathy and discretion
• Legal protection: Meeting DOT requirements and state-specific mandates
• Cost savings: Reducing turnover, accidents, and liability
As Sandra Serrano from ASAP notes: "There's a critical difference between being proactive to prevent an overdose or accident and reacting to a full-blown substance crisis. Prevention starts with awareness, and awareness starts with training." Read more: https://ow.ly/Am9e50WAFvl
Question for HR leaders and safety professionals: What training gaps exist in your organization? How are you preparing supervisors for these challenging situations?
Effective supervisor drug and alcohol training has become increasingly vital in today's workplace, where impaired individuals are more likely to cause accidents, injuries, and fatalities in safety-sensitive environments1. In fact, 70% of adults who struggle with alcohol or drug use disorders have ...
