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Practice Guideline
. 2014 Jul;56(7):e46-53.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000237.

ACOEM practice guidelines: opioids and safety-sensitive work

Kurt T Hegmann, Michael S Weiss, Kirk Bowden, Fernando Branco, Kimberly DuBrueler, Charl Els, Steven Mandel, David W McKinney, Rafael Miguel, Kathryn L Mueller, Robert J Nadig, Michael I Schaffer, Larry Studt, James B Talmage, Russell L Travis, Thomas Winters, Matthew S Thiese, Jeffrey S Harris
Practice Guideline

ACOEM practice guidelines: opioids and safety-sensitive work

Kurt T Hegmann et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2014 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: ACOEM has updated the treatment guidelines concerning opioids. This report highlights the safety-sensitive work recommendation that has been developed.

Methods: Comprehensive literature reviews were accomplished with article abstraction, critiquing, grading, evidence table compilation, and guideline finalization by a multidisciplinary expert panel to develop evidence-based guidance. A total of 12 moderate-quality studies were identified to address motor vehicle crash risk, and none regarding other work among opioid-using patients.

Results: Acute or chronic opioid use is not recommended for patients who perform safety-sensitive jobs. These jobs include operating motor vehicles, other modes of transportation, forklift driving, overhead crane operation, heavy equipment operation and tasks involving high levels of cognitive function and judgment.

Conclusion: Quality evidence consistently demonstrates increased risk of vehicle crashes and is recommended as the surrogate for other safety-sensitive work tasks.

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Comment in

  • Opioids and safety-sensitive work.
    Swotinsky R. Swotinsky R. J Occup Environ Med. 2014 Nov;56(11):e133. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000295. J Occup Environ Med. 2014. PMID: 25376422 No abstract available.
  • Opioids and safety-sensitive work.
    Hegmann KT, Weiss MS, Bowden K, Branco F, DuBrueler K, Els C, Harris JS, Mandel S, McKinney DW, Miguel R, Mueller KL, Nadig RJ, Schaffer MI, Studt L, Talmage JB, Travis RL, Winters T, Thiese MS, Ott U. Hegmann KT, et al. J Occup Environ Med. 2014 Nov;56(11):e134-5. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000341. J Occup Environ Med. 2014. PMID: 25376423 No abstract available.

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