Construction Suicide Prevention Week: An industry-wide effort to save lives

Construction Suicide Prevention Week is being held this year from September 9-13, 2024. This is a crucial event for an industry that is facing alarming mental health challenges. With suicide rates in construction among the highest of any profession, this week offers a vital opportunity to address the issue head-on.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that in 2016, the suicide rate for men working in the construction industry was 49.4/100,00, almost twice the total suicide rate for civilian working men. It is also four times the national average, making construction the industry with the most deaths by suicide. With such alarming statistics, something must be done to better support workers in this industry.

Under The Hard Hat has proudly partnered with The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) to help create awareness about the mental health challenges construction workers face and how to provide the necessary support. CIASP was founded in 2018 as a response to the drastic need for mental health support among construction workers, and their primary goal is to create awareness about suicide and provide tools and support for workers who may be struggling.

The pressures of construction work are immense—long hours, physical demands, job insecurity, and a tough culture that often discourages seeking help. These factors create a perfect storm, leaving many workers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. It’s a silent crisis that can no longer be ignored.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week aims to break the silence. The week is organized by key industry groups and focuses on raising awareness, offering support, and promoting mental health resources. Training sessions, toolbox talks, and open conversations are planned to equip workers and employers with the tools to recognize warning signs and take action.

Companies are encouraged to integrate mental health discussions into daily routines, ensuring workers know they’re not alone. Resources like hotlines, counseling services, and peer support networks will be highlighted throughout the week.

The goal is clear: to prioritize mental health in construction, year-round, not just during this week. By coming together, the industry can help prevent tragic losses and ensure every worker feels valued and supported.

As Construction Suicide Prevention Week approaches, there’s no better time to start the conversation and make a lasting difference.