Senate Resolution 133 Recognizes Industry’s Efforts to Combat Opioid Crisis
HARRISBURG, PA – July 17, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Senate has officially designated the week of July 21-25, 2025, as “Construction Opioid Awareness Week” through Senate Resolution 133, introduced by Minority Chair of Labor & Industry Committee, State Senator John I. Kane, Chair of Labor & Industry Committee, State Senator Devlin Robinson and Senator Tina Tartaglione.
The construction industry, which involves physically demanding labor and employs an aging workforce, has been disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. According to the National Center for Health Statistics report “Drug Overdose Mortality by Usual Occupation and Industry” released in August 2023, the construction industry had the highest rate of overdose deaths in 2020, with 130.9 deaths per 100,000 workers.
“As someone who spent decades in the construction trades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of opioid addiction on our workforce,” said Senator Kane. “I’ve lost friends, colleagues, and community members to this epidemic. This isn’t just policy for me – it’s personal. The construction industry’s physically demanding nature often leads to injuries and pain management challenges, creating pathways to addiction. Through legislative action and community partnerships, we’re making real progress in saving lives, but our work isn’t done. This awareness week represents our commitment to protecting the hardworking men and women who build our Commonwealth.”
While drug overdose deaths in the United States decreased significantly from 110,037 in 2023 to 80,391 in 2024 (a 26.9% reduction), the construction industry continues to face unique challenges related to opioid use. Overdose deaths involving opioids specifically decreased from 83,140 in 2023 to 54,743 in 2024.
“I appreciate the work of contractors and labor organizations to bring awareness to the issue of opioid abuse,” said Senator Robinson. “We must work together to ensure safe workplaces, where fellow workers can notice the signs of drug abuse and report it, where seeking help is encouraged, and where those in recovery can continue to work while receiving the support they need.”
“The opioid crisis has hit our construction workers especially hard, and we can’t ignore that. These are men and women who work tough jobs, often in pain, and too often they’re left to face addiction alone. Construction Opioid Awareness Week is about breaking the silence, removing the stigma, and making sure every worker knows there is help and there is hope. We owe that to the people who help build our communities.” – Senator Christine Tartaglione
The resolution recognizes the efforts of numerous organizations working to combat opioid abuse within the construction industry, including the Keystone Contractors Association, which provides free naloxone to any construction company in Pennsylvania that requests it. These organizations are utilizing resources from the National Safety Council to create educational materials for industry members.
“Supporting Construction Opioid Awareness Week is about protecting our greatest asset, our people. By raising awareness and reducing stigma, we take a stand for safety, recovery and a stronger workforce.” Jon O’Brien, Keystone Contractors Association
Additional initiatives include:
- Advocating for keeping naloxone on construction sites and in contractor offices
- Promoting the 988 mental health and suicide crisis prevention hotline, which has helped over 14.5 million people since 2022
- Distributing “Warn Me” stickers for workers’ insurance cards to encourage healthcare providers to discuss opioid issues
- Organizing “Drug Take Back” events to combat prescription drug abuse
Fifteen organizations are collaborating to promote awareness during this designated week, including the Keystone Contractors Association, Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and the General Building Contractors Association.
The resolution encourages the construction industry in Pennsylvania to continue promoting awareness of the dangers of opioids and prescription drug abuse, with special emphasis during the summer months when construction activity is at its peak.
For more information about Construction Opioid Awareness Week and available resources, please contact the respective offices
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