Bill to require safety panels to include opioid risk info

The Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed a bill Monday that would require employer safety committees to educate workers on substance abuse.

S.B. 147 would modify state statutes to require that employers seeking certification of the workplace safety committee from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industries must provide information regarding the risks associated with substance abuse, including opioid painkiller use, in addition to other required committee priorities such as strategies for hazard detection and accident prevention.

The legislation would also require the Pennsylvania L&I to develop and make available resources for employers to comply with the additional substance abuse educational requirements within 21 days of becoming law.

The bill has been sent to the House for consideration. If signed into law, it would take effect immediately.