Enhancing Opioid Overdose Knowledge and Naloxone Preparedness aims to address practice gaps by developing and delivering a culturally relevant, accessible e-learning module for fish-related workers on substance use awareness, overdose recognition, and the use of rescue medications. The project aligns with the PNASH Center’s goals by addressing opioid-related overdose deaths as a significant occupational hazard that contributes substantially to the burden of injury and illness in the commercial fishing industry. It advances this goal through the innovative use of e-learning technology, integrating multidisciplinary expertise, and building on the foundation of a prior student-led initiative.
This work aligns with research and practice priorities set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishing (AgFF) Program, and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). The NORA Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Sector Council recognizes that workers in the commercial fishing industry face disproportionate risks for injury and death, along with social and structural determinants that limit their ability to safeguard their own health and safety.
Specifically, it aligns with NIOSH Strategic Goal 1, “Reduce occupational cancer, cardiovascular disease, adverse reproductive outcomes, and other chronic diseases,” by acknowledging that substance/opioid use disorder is a chronic condition with known contributors in this industry, such as pain from musculoskeletal
injuries, long working hours, and limited access to care. It supports Strategic Goal 6, “improve workplace safety to reduce traumatic injury,” by reducing the risk of fatalities at sea. Additionally, it addresses Strategic Goal 7, “Promote safe and healthy work design and well-being,” and directly supports worker well-being by addressing substance use, overdose response, and mental health.
Finally, it aligns with the AgFF Program by highlighting research regarding opioids in the commercial fishing industry, and “producing educational, outreach, and prevention programs to guide workers and employers.”
Autumn Dennistoun, Principal Investigator, Doctoral Student, University of Washington