Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry: Breaking the Silence and Building Support

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time to raise awareness about mental health and offer support to those struggling in silence. While the construction industry is known for building our roads, bridges, and homes, it faces a less visible, but equally important challenge: mental health and suicide prevention. The construction sector consistently ranks among the top industries for high suicide rates, making this conversation especially vital.

The Reality of Mental Health in Construction
The construction industry is both physically and mentally demanding. Long hours, physical strain, and a culture that often prizes toughness can make it difficult for workers to express vulnerability or seek help. Factors that contribute to the mental health crisis in this field include:
• High levels of stress from meeting deadlines and working in hazardous environments.
• Seasonal or cyclical employment, leading to financial uncertainty.
• Substance abuse, which may be used to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Stigma surrounding mental health discussions, leading workers to keep silent about their struggles.

Addressing Mental Health: A Shared Responsibility
It is crucial for employers, safety officers, colleagues, and communities to foster an environment that promotes mental well-being and encourages open dialogue about mental health. Here’s how we can start to make a difference:

1. Create a Culture of Support
Make mental health a priority on the job site. This starts from the top down, with leaders promoting a supportive environment.
Provide regular training to supervisors and workers to recognize the signs of mental distress and understand how to respond. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help.

2. Offer Access to Resources
Ensure employees know where they can seek mental health support, whether through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, or local resources.
Display posters or distribute flyers that list confidential help resources, such as the Canada Suicide Prevention Lifeline – call or text 9-8-8.

3. Promote Work-Life Balance
Encourage breaks, provide reasonable work hours, and discourage excessive overtime. Workers who are chronically tired or burnt out are more susceptible to mental health challenges.

4. Break the Stigma
Create an open-door policy where workers can voice concerns about their mental health without fear of repercussions. Share stories of those who have sought help to normalize these
conversations.

5. Substance Abuse Support
Given the high rates of substance use in construction, offer resources for addiction recovery and support. Partner with local organizations that specialize in addiction services to
provide workers with the help they need.

The Role of Leadership
For safety officers, foremen, and supervisors, it’s important to recognize that you are on the front lines when it comes to the well-being of your crew. Be proactive by:
• Regularly checking in with employees, not just about their work, but about their well-being.
• Being observant for signs of struggle, such as changes in mood, fatigue, or withdrawal from coworkers.
• Taking action when you suspect someone is struggling by connecting them to resources and letting them know they are not alone.

Conclusion
The construction industry builds the framework for our physical world, but it’s time we strengthen the foundation for mental health as well. During Suicide Prevention Month, let’s work together to break the silence, provide support, and build a healthier, more resilient workforce. By creating a culture that promotes mental well-being and recognizing the unique challenges that construction workers face, we can save lives and ensure that no one suffers in silence.
Together, we can build a safer and stronger future—one where every worker knows their mental health is just as important as their physical safety.

Resource for preventing construction-related suicides: www.preventconstructionsuicide.com