Raising Awareness and Preventing Suicide in the Construction Industry

By Mark Dyke, Collaborative Counseling Group
The Problem

Did you know that construction workers face a suicide rate that is 5.5 times higher than the rate of all other fatalities on the jobsite? Additionally, the suicide rate in this sector is more than four times greater than that of the general population, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

These statistics are alarming. With over 8 million workers in the industry—and that number continues to rise—it is crucial to prioritize mental health just as much as physical safety in our workforce. This long-standing safety issue has been largely overlooked, but a shift is underway, and a national movement is aimed at reducing these numbers and saving lives. ABC acknowledges this challenge through its Total Human Health Initiative, offering valuable resources on its website to address mental health safety and suicide prevention.

What is Being Done

This week marks Construction Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13, 2024), and I am honored to serve on the Steering Committee for this important event. As we prepared for CSPW 2024, our goal was to make a meaningful impact in the industry—not only by increasing participation but also by honoring those who have tragically lost their lives to suicide.

In pursuit of this goal, we are organizing the 2024 CSPW National Stand Down Event, a significant occasion for the construction industry to come together in a heartfelt moment of remembrance. Together, we will honor the lives we have lost and reaffirm our commitment to preventing future tragedies.

On Monday, September 9th, we will observe one minute of silence to pay tribute to all lives lost to suicide. The moment will take place at 2:50 p.m. Eastern.

I invite you to join us for this impactful national event. If you read this message after the event, you can still engage with CSPW anytime by accessing the free toolbox talks, videos, and other resources available on the CSPW website.

What Can You Do?

Many individuals feel powerless to enact change because they lack formal training in mental health issues. However, the truth is that you can make a difference, and you might already possess the skills to do so without even realizing it. What we need is a cultural shift. While raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention is vital, it alone is insufficient for fostering the necessary cultural transformation.

Cultural change occurs through our everyday actions. We can initiate this change by openly discussing mental health and safety, checking in on one another, and showing genuine care. It’s really not that complicated; we learned these values in kindergarten—simply be kind to others. You don’t have to be a therapist; you just need to be a compassionate human being.

What Does That Look Like?

Engage someone by asking how they are doing and genuinely mean it. Don’t settle for the typical “fine” response followed by a quick change of subject. Show authentic care and interest. Allow them the space to share what’s happening in their lives. Resist the urge to solve their problems; instead, focus on listening. Understand that you don’t need all the answers—you simply need to be present and attentive. Often, just having someone to listen can make a significant difference for those who are struggling. If they require assistance beyond your capacity, direct them to appropriate resources such as your HR department, a therapist, or the 988 hotline, all of which provide expert care for those in need.

It’s crucial to remember that the suicide rate among construction workers is 5.5 times higher than all other jobsite fatalities and four times that of the general population. Changing these statistics and saving lives begins with compassion and starts with each of us.

Resources

A wealth of resources is available for companies and individuals to tackle mental health and safety concerns. Here are a few of my favorites:


Mark Dyke is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Michigan and an associate professor at Ferris State University. With extensive experience in both the mental health and construction industries, he brings a unique perspective on the impact today’s challenges are having on people. To learn more about mental health and/or construction issues, he can be reached at (616) 253-6268 or mark@collabcounselinggroup.com.

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