The construction industry in Pennsylvania is taking proactive steps to combat the state’s ongoing opioid and fentanyl epidemic, a crisis that continues to affect thousands of families and workers across the Commonwealth.
“It isn’t an exaggeration to say Pennsylvania’s opioid and fentanyl epidemic is the public health challenge of our time,” wrote Jon O’Brien, Executive Director of the Keystone Contractors Association. “Across our commonwealth and America, opioid use disorder (OUD) continues to be a crisis that requires our constant attention.”
O’Brien noted that the crisis touches nearly every aspect of society — from family life and workplaces to local economies and government budgets. “Overdose deaths inflict a toll on families, workplaces, communities and state economies,” he emphasized.
While national data shows progress — daily overdose deaths have dropped from 224 Americans in 2022 to 150 in 2024 — the fight is far from over. Through May alone, 33 million pills have been seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, underscoring the continued spread of dangerous synthetic drugs.
“Parents, grandparents, and every person connected to children and young adults must learn the risks and the meaning of ‘One Pill Can Kill,’” O’Brien warned. “Only two milligrams of fentanyl, which can fit on the tip of your pinky finger, is strong enough to kill a human.”
A May report from Avalere Health revealed the devastating economic burden of opioid use disorder nationwide, costing taxpayers nearly $1 trillion annually. Pennsylvania bears one of the highest state-level costs at $232 million per year, trailing only Ohio, California, Florida, and New York.
The study found that the use of Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) buprenorphine, when combined with behavioral therapy, is one of the most cost-effective treatment options available. However, O’Brien cautioned that “this report should serve as a warning that the war is far from over.”
The construction industry, known for its physically demanding and high-stress work, remains among the most vulnerable to substance misuse and mental health challenges.
“Mental health and well-being have always been prime areas of concern in a demanding business where one in five construction workers struggle with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues,” O’Brien explained.
Construction ranks second among all U.S. occupations in suicide rates, and many workers rely on medication for pain management after injuries. Approximately 20% of all prescriptions written for construction workers contain opioids. From 2011 to 2016, construction workers accounted for 15% of workplace overdose deaths, despite representing only 7% of the workforce.
To respond, the industry has expanded outreach and education efforts. In Pennsylvania, the last week of July is now recognized as Construction Opioid Awareness Week, though awareness and prevention campaigns run year-round.
Construction companies across the state are taking a proactive approach — from educating workers on non-opioid pain management to promoting mental health resources and medication safety.
“With the high frequency and severity of sprain and strain injury rates, we’re educating workers about safer alternatives to opioid pain management, including over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen,” O’Brien noted.
Another focus is the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Take-Back Program, which offers over 900 drop-off sites statewide for safely disposing of unused medications.
“At these locations, companies work with employees to drop off their unused prescribed medications for disposal,” he said. “Medications can be turned over in the original bottle (with personal information removed or marked out) or in a small sealed container.”
Additionally, employees receive ‘Opioids – Warn Me Stickers’, a small but powerful reminder about the risks of misuse. “It may sound simple, but these red and white stickers that read: ‘Caution: Opioid – Risk of Overdose and Addiction’ serve as a glaring alert to be mindful of the medication being taken,” O’Brien explained. The stickers are distributed at job sites, health fairs, and during new employee orientations.
The Keystone Contractors Association and other trade groups have pledged to continue the fight against addiction, expanding collaboration with public health agencies and community organizations.
“Pennsylvania’s construction industry is always exploring new ways to help our commonwealth defeat opioid and fentanyl addiction,” O’Brien concluded. “Much work remains. We hope other industries will join us so we can stop the senseless and tragic deaths of so many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends.”
Partnerships with behavioral health professionals are increasing access to confidential counseling for construction employees.
Several trade unions now include opioid risk awareness in safety certifications and toolbox talks.
Construction firms are implementing “Return to Work” programs for injured workers that focus on rehabilitation and reduced opioid dependency.
Originally reported by Jon O’Brien in LVB.
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