In a move aiming to confront a grim reality of the construction industry, Minneapolis-based Ryan Cos. is partnering with SAFE Project, a nonprofit on a mission to end America's opioid epidemic. The partnership is rooted in the alarming overdose death rates within the construction sector, which have soared to 162.6 per 100,000 workers, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control in August 2023. This figure starkly overshadows that of food preparation and serving-related workers, which is the second highest at 117.9 deaths, according to ABC15 News.
Ryan, a significant real estate firm in Arizona, is counteracting the overdose trend by supplying naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, across its work sites and corporate offices. The gravity of the situation is twofold, with workers often prone to injuries necessitating opioid prescriptions and the consequent risk of addiction and overdose. "And just because of the nature of the work on a construction site, I think our workers are much more prone to those kind of injuries, which puts them at risk then for taking opioids and hopefully finding a way to take them just to reduce the pain but not get addicted," Brian Murray, CEO of Ryan Cos., told Phoenix Business Journal. Unfortunately, addiction also happens as well.
This initiative extends beyond preparing safety kits with naloxone; it encapsulates training for employees on administrating the life-saving drug. SAFE Project, dedicated to ending the addiction epidemic, will handle the procurement of naloxone for Ryan. The opioid crisis hits construction workers excessively hard, making workplace preparedness essential. "There's a growing number of construction companies, that now appreciate that this a legitimate problem," said Jeff Horwitz, CEO of SAFE Project in an interview with business publications.
Ryan Cos. is not just battling the opioid crisis; they're a significant force in Arizona's construction landscape, serving as the 11th-largest commercial building contractor with almost $360 million in 2023 billings. These endeavors range from office campuses to senior living communities, with the local office based at 3900 E. Camelback Road. As Arizona sees an influx of megaprojects from tech giants, Ryan positions itself strategically to contribute to the region's continued development and growth. "Arizona is one of our most significant regions that we have," Murray commented. "It's a part of the country where we have great hope and expectation for the future."
