P1 Construction Named 2025 SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year

Lenexa, Kansas-based P1 Construction is the winner of the 2025 SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year Award. The award will be presented during the Annual Business Meeting at the SMACNA Annual Convention in Maui, Hawaii, at the Grand Wailea Maui on Wednesday, October 29.

The Safety Innovator of the Year Award, presented in collaboration with SMACNA Premier Partners Milwaukee Tool and Federated Insurance, honors a company that demonstrates an innovative safety idea, concept, or best practice that has led to measurable improvement in its safety program or culture.

P1 Construction earned this recognition through two groundbreaking initiatives that address critical challenges in construction safety: their Second Orientation Program and the Peer Connector Mental Health Program.

The Second Orientation Program directly targets one of the most vulnerable periods for employees: their first few months on the job. P1’s data revealed that nearly half of all workplace accidents occur within the first year, with a third of those in the first five months. To combat this, P1 implemented a unique second safety orientation. All new associates participate in a refresher training 60 days after hire, reinforcing safety knowledge, ensuring buy-in, and reducing the risk of early-stage incidents.

In parallel, P1 developed the Peer Connector Program, a voluntary, peer-to-peer mental health support system designed to break stigma and provide judgment-free access to help. Peer Connectors are trained employees who serve as approachable, confidential resources for colleagues. Identified by custom program branding and hard hat stickers, Peer Connectors offer immediate support and can connect individuals to professional help when needed. The program was inspired by the experience of a P1 safety specialist and military veteran, who shaped the initiative to address the alarming suicide rates within both the construction and veteran communities.

“P1 appreciates SMACNA’s recognition of our efforts to build a world-class safety program through innovative initiatives. We always remain focused on our most important resources: the human ones. While P1 is always committed to embracing technology, we know our people are the most critical components to building the shared goal of a world-class safety record and culture company-wide. Through rigorous daily checklists, mental health resources, training, and mentorship, P1 leadership, from the top down, is committed to ensuring our associates show up mentally and physically prepared to make the best decisions every day at every job site. Some specific examples of these initiatives include our 60-day orientation to retrain associates on best safety practices, and the Peer Connector Program to connect associates in need with their peers for mental health support,” said Don Campbell, Vice President, P1 Construction.

As part of the Safety Innovator of the Year Award, SMACNA, in collaboration with Premier Partners Milwaukee Tool and Federated Insurance, donates to a charity chosen by the winner. This year, P1 Construction selected The Battle Within, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders facing PTSD.

“We are honored to receive the donation from SMACNA on behalf of P1,” said Michele Orpin, Director of Development and Engagement of The Battle Within. “Our mission is to break down barriers and provide all Veterans and First Responders the mental and behavioral health support they need for their PTSD. All of our services are free. We could not offer our programs without the kindness and compassion of our community partners. Our entire team thanks you for this opportunity.”

Through its innovative programs, P1 Construction has not only reduced injuries and strengthened employee engagement but also set a model for the entire industry. The company’s focus on reinforcing safety knowledge and addressing mental health challenges exemplifies the spirit of the SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year Award, driving meaningful, people-centered change that enhances safety culture across the trade.