New national standard recognizes naloxone as a critical workplace safety tool and encourages employers to maintain at least two doses for opioid overdose emergency response

ALLEGAN, Mich., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With nearly one in ten workplace fatalities now linked to drug overdoses, Padagis®, a leading provider of affordable generic pharmaceuticals, today announced a new workplace preparedness initiative to expand access to naloxone in workplaces nationwide, offering free naloxone nasal spray to qualifying businesses. The program follows the release of a new standard from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2026. This new standard reflects a significant shift in how employers approach emergency preparedness, recognizing naloxone as a recommended supplemental item in workplace first aid programs.

To support this new standard and increase access, Padagis is providing two free naloxone nasal sprays to the first 200 businesses that apply through its workplace preparedness program. The initiative is designed to help organizations take immediate action in response to the updated guidance, particularly in industries where risk may be higher, including construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and food service. The initiative also reflects Padagis’ broader mission to reduce healthcare costs by removing financial barriers to essential medicines and helping more organizations access life-saving overdose reversal medication.

“Workplace safety has evolved, and emergency preparedness must evolve with it,” said Pamela Hoffman, CEO of Padagis. “Making naloxone more accessible, especially through initiatives like this, is critical to helping employers respond to real-world risks. When naloxone is readily available, properly labeled, and paired with training, it can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.”

The updated guidance encourages employers to make naloxone available for emergency use, store it in clearly visible and accessible locations near other first aid equipment, and ensure that kits contain at least two doses. It also reinforces that naloxone is safe to administer even when opioids are not present, helping reduce hesitation during critical response moments.

“The updated ANSI/ISEA standard recognizes that overdose preparedness is becoming an increasingly common part of workplace safety,” said Cam Mackey, President and CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). “Just like other vital first aid supplies, having naloxone available—along with clear procedures and employee training—can help workplaces respond quickly and confidently in an emergency.”

Beyond adding naloxone to first aid kits, the updated ANSI/ISEA standard emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to overdose preparedness, including employee training, clear response protocols, and integration into broader workplace safety programs.

For more information or to apply for Padagis’ workplace preparedness program, contact padagisb2bsales@padagis.com or visit naloxoneworkplace.com.

About Padagis

Based in Allegan, Michigan, Padagis is relentlessly committed to reducing healthcare costs and improving accessibility by delivering high-quality medicine through innovative approaches. The pharmaceutical company is a leading provider of extended topical medications and other specialty drugs primarily in the United States. One of Padagis’ flagship products is Naloxone, an over-the-counter nasal spray that acts as an antidote for opioid overdoses. Padagis is committed to making its Naloxone nasal spray widely available to help put an end to the opioid crisis and save lives. Padagis employs over 1,300 people worldwide. Visit Padagis online at http://www.padagis.com.

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SOURCE Padagis