The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine released recommendations for opioid prescribing based on safety-sensitive occupations. Safety-sensitive work is typically classified as operating motor vehicles, modes of transportation, other heavy machinery, or tasks requiring high levels of cognitive function or judgment. Farm duties frequently demand the use of heavy machinery, and concurrent use of narcotics alongside safety-sensitive work can be dangerous. This training educates healthcare providers on how to assess occupational agricultural risks and corresponding patient guidance for those who are taking opioid medications.
By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify what classifies as a safety-sensitive occupation and why
- Describe the dangers involved with prescription opioid use and safety-sensitive occupations
- Understand how best to discuss with patients who have safety-sensitive occupations alternatives to prescription opioids
- Identify best practices for naloxone prescribing and use in a rural or agricultural setting
- Discuss implications of medication-assisted therapies for Opioid Use Disorder in safety-sensitive occupations
This project was supported by the FY17 USDA NIFA Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant # 2017-46100-27225 and the FY18 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Rural Opioids Technical Assistance Grants (ROTA) # TI-18-022
