Jon O'Brien and the Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) have been at the forefront of raising awareness and expanding advocacy efforts to combat the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania's construction industry.

Since taking the reins at KCA in 2016, O'Brien has seen the industry evolve—not only through advancements in technology but also in its growing recognition of workforce well-being challenges. The opioid crisis has particularly affected construction, a sector that ranks among the highest for substance use disorder. O’Brien has played a crucial role in fostering open conversations, raising awareness, and equipping employers with resources to address the crisis.

O'Brien's experience in construction dates back to 2002, with roles such as Certification Manager at SSPC and Director of Industry Relations at the Master Builders Association of Western PA. When he became KCA’s executive director in 2016, the organization had just 26 members. Today, KCA’s membership exceeds 100 companies, and its labor relations extend to over 1,000 construction firms across Pennsylvania.

Recognizing the urgency of addressing the opioid crisis, O'Brien took action. The CDC reports that construction workers face the highest overdose death rates among all major industry sectors. Overdoses often result from a combination of on-the-job injuries, chronic pain, and easy access to prescription opioids. In Pennsylvania, “construction overdose deaths are more than six times higher than in the general workforce,” underscoring the need for urgent intervention.

“I knew we had to address it,” O’Brien recalls, mobilizing a coalition of safety leaders and partnering with organizations like the National Safety Council (NSC) to provide resources and support for both employers and employees.

Building on these efforts, O’Brien led the creation of Construction Opioid Awareness Week, an initiative that began in 2017 and expanded in 2018 to include associations and labor unions across Pennsylvania. The state now officially recognizes this week each year, helping destigmatize addiction and promote open conversations about substance use disorder. O’Brien says, “What you’re doing will save lives,” quoting a recovery-focused electrician who expressed his gratitude for these efforts.

In addition to in-person initiatives, O'Brien co-hosts the Building Pennsylvania Podcast with Chris Martin from Atlas Marketing, where they discuss addiction, mental health, and suicide prevention. The podcast has helped KCA reach thousands of people across Pennsylvania and beyond, amplifying these crucial topics.

One of the key initiatives KCA has supported is the NSC’s “Opioids - Warn Me” sticker campaign, which encourages workers to talk to healthcare providers about prescriptions and explore alternatives to opioids.

KCA’s dedication to combating the opioid crisis was recognized nationally when the organization signed the White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdoses. This achievement connected KCA with broader national efforts and brought O’Brien to the White House in 2024, alongside organizations like Amazon and Major League Baseball, to recognize their shared commitment to saving lives.

In 2024, KCA also hosted a roundtable with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Opioid Response Network, engaging industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss targeted solutions for the construction industry. During this event, SAFE Project contributed with a presentation on opioid risk reduction in workers' compensation and employee benefits.

A major focus of KCA's efforts has been to promote recovery-friendly workplaces. O’Brien champions the creation of environments that reduce stigma and allow employees to seek help without fear of judgment. KCA has worked with SAFE Project’s SAFE Workplaces initiative to provide training toolkits, stigma-reduction programs, and naloxone (Narcan) resources that empower construction companies to protect and support their workforce. Naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, has become a key tool in saving lives in high-risk industries like construction.

For O'Brien, addressing the opioid crisis is not just about safety protocols—it's about fostering a culture of empathy and recovery. Thanks to KCA’s leadership and SAFE Project’s resources, construction companies are reducing overdose risks and supporting employees’ well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, SAFE Project offers a platform to connect individuals with support groups, treatment providers, and crisis intervention services.

Through these collective efforts, the construction industry is making significant progress in creating safer, more supportive workplaces, ensuring that every worker is valued, protected, and empowered.