July 24 - 28, 2023
Pennsylvania Senate supports Senate Resolution 316, which declares the last full week of July as "Construction Opioid Awareness Week." Construction associations and labor organizations across the state united to launch this initiative.
What is Construction Opioid Awareness Week?
An event for the construction industry to raise awareness and understand the potential dangers of prescription drug abuse.
Why Participate?
In 2016, more than 2,200 Pennsylvanians died of opioid overdoses, the fourth highest rate in the United States according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Construction workers are involved in very physically demanding jobs and because of that many turn to medication for relief. Twenty percent of all prescribed medications to the construction industry contain an opioid in it and we feel the industry needs to be better educated on this addictive medication.
Who is Encouraged to Participate?
Organizations of any size in the construction industry who are looking for an opportunity to show commitment to safety and compassion for their workers should participate.
How to Participate?
Participating in Construction Opioid Awareness Week is easy. Simply think about what activities you would like to do (potential ideas listed below). You can host an event for your company or open your company event to others to engage your community.
Make sure your entire company knows where the drug take-back locations are in Pennsylvania.
In partnership with the National Safety Council, we assembled an Opioids At Work Daily Toolkit for the week. The construction industry is seeking to better understand how opioid use in the workplace impacts safety, employee health and wellness, and your workplace’s bottom line.
Monday – Opioids: Current FAQs and Stats To Know Toolbox Talk
Tuesday – Preventing Opioid Misuse in the Workplace Toolbox Talk
Wednesday – Learning About Opioid Overdose Toolbox Talk
Thursday – Understanding Treatment and Recovery Toolbox Talk
Friday – Building a Recovery-Friendly Workplace Toolbox Talk
We have some new videos for construction companies to use:
2023 Construction Opioids Awareness Week Kickoff Message by Jon O'Brien of KCA
Opioids In Construction by Chris Lalevee of the Operating Engineers Local Union 825
Yinz Good? Introducing the MBA & CAWP's Mental Health Campaign for Construction by Bob McCall of the MBA.
2022 Resources / Event Ideas:
Pennsylvania's Construction Employers Opioid Awareness Toolkit
Hold a Daily Safety Toolbox Talk on Opioids:
Monday toolbox talk: Pain Management & Video
Tuesday toolbox talk: Impairment Signs & Video
Wednesday toolbox talk: Stigma & Video
Thursday toolbox talk: Employee Assistance Programs & Video
Friday toolbox talk: How to use Narcan & Video