The construction industry ranks first in total suicides and second in suicide rate compared to all other industries in the United States, according to a 2016 study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This sad fact led more than 75 industry groups to form an alliance to combat the epidemic in 2016. Some of the members recently met in in Washington DC to help construction companies to better address mental health issues among their workers.
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) recently reported that they were 1 of 17 organizations to meet during National Suicide Prevention Month. The 17 groups in attendance make up a portion of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, which was founded by the Construction Financial Management Association two years ago.
Members of the group include ABC, Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), among many others.
“Our industry’s steadfast commitment to safety needs to extend beyond our jobsites to ensure that workers struggling with mental health issues get the help they need,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, who attended the meeting, in a press release. “We are proud to be part of the Alliance to draw attention to the national issue of suicide risk and help increase access to mental health across the construction industry.”
The Alliance for Suicide Prevention has several free resources available on its website, including webinars, flyers & posters, action steps, FAQs, and important links.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can always call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, which offers free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources.
