During September — which is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — there is a week dedicated to Construction Suicide Prevention. This year it is September 9th through the 13th. This is a time to raise awareness about the unique challenges construction workers face that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it and help save our fellow teammates.
The construction industry has the highest suicide rates among any other professions — with the rate among male construction workers 75% higher than men in the general population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The suicide rate of construction workers in the United States is 53.3 per 100,000 workers. In the U.S. there are approximately 123 construction workers suicides per day - that breaks down to one death every 12 minutes.
In construction, it is typical for us to discuss physical safety on a daily basis. For many years, the focus of our work plans has been on keeping ourselves and our co-workers safe from
bodily harm. What we have not typically talked about is our mental health, and now is the time to include mental wellness as part of our overall total worker safety. As much effort as goes into keeping your fellow crew members safe each shift - would you consider putting that same effort in to making sure they return to work tomorrow as well?
Recognizing warning signs — through conversations, social media posts or changes in behavior—may help determine if someone you know is struggling.
Recognizing Risk Factors — A combination of environmental, health, historical, and occupational factors can increase the risk of suicide. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when left untreated, increase the risk for suicide.
These factors converge to create feelings of hopelessness and despair. If you work in the construction industry, it is especially important to keep the risk factors in mind.
HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW EXHIBITED ONE OR MORE WARNING SIGNS?
Feeling sad or depressed most of the time
Talking about feeling trapped or wanting to die
Extreme mood swings
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Decreased self-confidence
Feeling hopeless and helpless
Sleeping too much or too little
Feeling anxious, agitated or reckless
Withdrawing from family and friends
Talking about being a burden to others
WARNING SIGNS SPECIFIC TO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS INCLUDE:
Decreased productivity
Increased conflict among co-workers
Near hits, incidents and injuries
Decreased problem-solving ability
Increased tardiness and absenteeism
By starting the conversation, breaking the stigma, and providing valuable resources, we can demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our teammates and contribute to a universal effort to save lives. Luckily, there are many resources to help effectively support mental wellness. Together, we can save lives.
Resources:
https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/ (Reed Family Companies is an Officially Recognized Participant!)
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) | Mindwise (hfihub.com)
Reed Family Companies Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
click Register
Organization Web ID: NYLGBS
Company Name: Western Regional Benefits Employee Trust
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