WORK to Save Lives Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7479
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-10T08:08:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to address opioid overdoses in workplaces by requiring the Secretary of Labor, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to provide guidance to private employers and mandatory regulations to federal agencies on acquiring, maintaining, and training employees to use opioid overdose reversal medications (such as naloxone, which quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose).
Key Provisions
- Non-Mandatory Guidance for Employers (Section 2):
- Issued within 270 days of enactment.
- Covers acquiring and maintaining opioid overdose reversal medication.
- Includes offering voluntary annual training to employees on how to use the medication.
- Applies to employers as defined under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, excluding the United States Postal Service.
- Mandatory Regulations for Federal Agencies (Section 3):
- Issued within 270 days of enactment.
- Requires each federal agency to acquire and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication.
- Requires offering voluntary annual training to employees on usage.
- Defines "federal agency" broadly to include any federal government agency or instrumentality, including the Veterans Health Administration (overriding certain existing exemptions under federal law).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces new, specific requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act framework for opioid-related workplace safety, which previously lacked dedicated guidance or mandates on overdose reversal medications.
- Overrides a narrow exemption in federal veterans' health law (38 U.S.C. § 7425(b)) to ensure the Veterans Health Administration complies.
- Shifts from entirely voluntary practices to structured guidance for private employers and enforceable rules for federal entities, without imposing penalties on private employers.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Federal agencies must implement and fund acquisition, maintenance, and training programs, potentially increasing administrative costs but enhancing employee safety in opioid crisis hotspots.
- On Citizens (Employees): Improves access to life-saving medications and training in workplaces, potentially reducing overdose deaths among workers; training is voluntary, so participation may vary.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. workplace safety.
- Overall, could lead to broader cultural shifts toward opioid preparedness in professional settings, though effectiveness depends on adoption rates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies and Employees: Mandated to comply, including the Veterans Health Administration and other government workers.
- Private Employers and Employees: Receive optional guidance; benefits workers in industries with higher opioid exposure risks (e.g., construction, healthcare).
- Secretary of Labor and OSHA: Responsible for developing and issuing the guidance and regulations.
- Bipartisan Congressional Supporters: Introduced by a group of House members from both parties, indicating cross-aisle interest in public health.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on the Occupational Safety and Health Act by adding targeted opioid provisions without creating new enforcement mechanisms for private employers, maintaining a balance between guidance and mandates. The override of a veterans' health exemption ensures uniform application but could invite minor legal challenges on scope.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate workplace safety and federal operations; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it primarily affects federal entities and provides voluntary tools for states/private sectors.
- Political: Reflects ongoing national focus on the opioid epidemic, with bipartisan sponsorship suggesting potential for broader support; emphasizes prevention over punishment, potentially appealing across political divides without significant controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Cosponsors (15)
Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-02-10: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-10: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Workplace Overdose Reversal Kits to Save Lives Act — issued 2026-02-10 — PDF (3 pages)