Connecticut's Construction Industry Stands Down For Addiction Awareness And Prevention

When Kyle Zimmer started working in the construction industry 40 years ago, he said health and safety standards focused on reducing injuries and fatalities from electrical hazards, falls and a lack of protective gear. But today, he said the focus needs to be on addiction, suicide prevention and behavioral health. Deaths on the job site from opioid overdoses are quickly approaching the totals of the other categories alone, Zimmer said. Working men and women are dying every day while silently struggling. It’s time to get uncomfortable, it’s time to reach out and help those struggling and point them in a direction so that recovery and a healthy productive life can be had. Zimmer, who is director of health and safety at International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, joined state leaders and construction workers Monday in Hartford to launch a weeklong statewide campaign called Safety Stand-Down on Opioid Awareness and Prevention.