WASHINGTON, DC -- Acting Secretary Julie Su and Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson will head to Pittsburgh on Oct. 30 to announce a new publication to help employers protect workers from the dangers of opioid use disorder and join a discussion on the issue with workplace safety experts, miners and steelworkers.

The roundtable will discuss the issue of opioid use disorder in mining communities, current workplace prevention efforts, resources available and the importance of recovery-friendly workplaces.

A joint publication of the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, “Implementing Effective Workplace Solutions to Prevent Opioid Use Disorder: A Resource Guide for the Mining Industry” is intended to raise awareness about opioid miuse among workers, eliminate the stigma associated with the issue, promote open and honest conversations, strengthen prevention efforts and improve access to treatment. 

Acting Secretary Su and Assistant Secretary Williamson will join NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard and representatives from the United Steelworkers, United Mine Workers of America, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, Tilcon Connecticut Inc., Vulcan Materials and Consol Energy for the roundtable.