The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) named P1 Construction, LLC, headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, as the recipient of its 2025 Safety Innovator of the Year Award. The honor, presented in collaboration with SMACNA Premier Partners Milwaukee Tool and Federated Insurance, honors the company which has demonstrated an innovative safety idea, concept, or best practice that has led to measurable improvement in its safety program or culture.

Greg Sweeney, P1 safety sirector, and Don Campbell, P1 vice president, accepted the award on behalf of the company at SMACNA’s Annual Business Meeting, the premier event of the year that gathers members, chapter leadership, and industry partners.

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

P1’s 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 Construction’s innovative initiatives have not only reduced injuries and strengthened employee engagement but also established a benchmark for excellence within the industry,” said Aaron Hilger, CEO, SMACNA. “Its commitment to advancing safety knowledge and addressing mental health challenges reflects the spirit of the SMACNA Safety Innovator of the Year Award, inspiring people-centered progress that enhances safety culture across the trade.”

“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,” said Don Campbell, vice president, P1 Construction. “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.”

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’re 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.”