Senate resolution 133 recognizes industry efforts regarding the control of the opioid crisis
Harrisburg, but – – July 17, 2025 -Seenat in Pennsylvania officially appointed the week of July 21-25, 2025, as “a week of consciousness of building opioids” as part of the Senate resolution 133, introduced by the chairman of the work minority and industry of the State Committee John I. Kane, chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee, senator of the state of Devlin Robinson and Senator Tina Tartaglione.
The construction industry, which includes physically demanding workforce and employs an aging working force, has been disproportionately affected by an opioid epidemic. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the “mortality of drug overdose by ordinary occupation and industry” published in August 2023. The construction industry had the highest death rate due to overdose in 2020, and 130.9 deaths per 100,000 employees.
“As someone who spent decades in construction transactions, I witnessed the destructive impact of opioids on our working strength,” said Senator Kane. “I lost my friends, colleagues and members of the community in this epidemic. This is not just a politician for me – it is personal. A physically demanding nature of the construction industry often leads to injuries and challenges related to pain management, creating addiction paths. Through legislative action and social partnerships, we make real progress in savings, but our work is not done. women, building our common health.
While deaths due to drug overdose in the United States dropped significantly from 110 037 in 2023 to 80 391 in 2024 (reduction by 26.9%), the construction industry is still encounter unique challenges related to the employ of opioids. Overdose deaths with opioids fell specifically from 83 140 in 2023 to 54 743 in 2024.
“I appreciate the work of contractors and work organization to make the issue of opioid abuse aware,” said Senator Robinson. “We must cooperate to provide safe jobs in which other employees may notice signs of drug abuse and report them in which they are encouraged to seek help, and where regenerative people can continue to work when receiving the needed support.”
“The opioid crisis has particularly hit our construction workers and we cannot ignore it. They are men and women who work, often in pain, and too often leave this addiction to the same. – Senator Christine Tartaglione
The resolution recognizes the efforts of many organizations working on combating abuse of opioids in the construction industry, including the Keystone Contractors Association, which provides free Nokson to every construction company in Pennsylvania, which asks for it. These organizations employ resources from the National Safety Council to create educational materials for industry members.
“A week of building opioid awareness consists in protecting our greatest resource, our people. By raising consciousness and reducing the stigma, we deal with safety, recovery and stronger working force.” Jon O’Brien, Keystone Contractors Association
Additional initiatives include:
- Taking the maintenance of naloxone on construction sites and in the offices of contractors
- Promoting the hotline prevention of mental and suicidal health, which helped over 14.5 million people from 2022.
- Distribution of stickers “Warning me” for employees’ insurance cards to encourage healthcare providers to discuss opioid problems
- Organizing events “Recording drugs” to combat prescription drug abuse
Fifteen organizations work to promote consciousness this week, including the Keystone Contractors Association, Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpents and General Building Contractors Association.
The resolution encourages the construction industry in Pennsylvania to further promote the awareness of threats associated with opioids and abuse of prescription drugs, with particular emphasis in the summer months, when construction activities are at the peak.
For more information on the construction of opioid awareness week and available resources, please contact the appropriate offices
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