Grasping the Gravity of High Suicide Rates in the Construction Sector

Research has shown that the construction industry, which is primarily male-dominated, has one of the highest suicide rates among its workforce. Men have been conditioned by society to suppress their emotions, leading to silent suffering. The industry is well-known for its “tough-guy” persona and emphasis on self-sufficiency, appealing to those with risk-taking tendencies. Nonetheless, this culture can also pose obstacles for those seeking mental health support, warranting sensitivity and consideration.

In addition, construction schedules often require extended work hours and job relocations, resulting in feelings of detachment from loved ones. The physical demands of the job, combined with a sense of isolation, can drive individuals to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or opioids, further increasing the risk of suicide.

The Significance of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health plays a crucial role in construction sites as it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the crew. A mentally healthy workforce is not only happier but also more productive. Key indicators of mental distress include lethargy, lack of motivation, concentration difficulties or absenteeism.

Promoting mental health and wellness within the workplace can foster a positive atmosphere for employees. As a result, this can aid in retaining and recruiting staff members who are interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry.

Comprehending Mental Health

Maintaining good mental health is an ongoing process. Various factors such as personal loss, financial difficulties and relationship issues can negatively impact a person’s mental well-being and ability to concentrate. In environments with a higher risk, operating heavy equipment or getting distracted due to a lack of focus can be dangerous for both workers and the public.

Encouraging an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences can empower coworkers to check on their crewmates, thereby fostering a safer workspace for everyone involved.

The Role of Management in Driving Change

As a company, it is important to prioritize the well-being of employees. Creating a sense of community and belonging can be achieved by encouraging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and environment. This is especially important in the construction industry, where transitioning from a culture of discipline to one that prioritizes employee mental health and well-being can make a significant impact.

Leaders and employees can provide essential resources to promote mental health by practicing active listening, compassion and empathy towards one another. This approach fosters a supportive environment that enables everyone to thrive.

Identifying Warning Signs on a Jobsite

When observing individuals, paying attention to their behavior and life circumstances can provide valuable insights into their mental and emotional state. Verbal expressions such as discussing suicide, depression, anxiety or feeling like a burden to others can be red flags. Some behaviors, like being absent often, experiencing a sudden decrease in productivity or engaging in risky actions, may suggest that there are underlying problems.

Additionally, personal stressors such as going through a divorce, losing a job or losing a loved one can all impact a person’s emotional well-being. Awareness of these factors can enhance our understanding and enable us to provide better support.

Implementing Measures to Manage and Prevent Workplace Suicide

Companies can play a crucial role in managing and preventing such incidents by taking proactive steps. One of the most important steps is to identify the warning signs, including changes in mood, social withdrawal, talk of wanting to die or giving away personal belongings. Creating a safe environment where employees can openly discuss their issues and feel supported is essential.

Additionally, providing access to mental health resources and safety guides can help employees deal with such issues effectively. Implementing these measures can help companies establish a safe and supportive environment, significantly decreasing the occurrence of suicide in the workplace.

Fostering a Safe Work Environment

Creating a safe and supportive work environment is vital for the well-being of employees. Encouraging open communication about mental health issues, providing access to resources and professional help, and promoting a culture of support can go a long way in achieving this goal. By taking these steps, we can help prevent suicide and save lives in the construction industry.

Prioritizing Employee Mental Health

At RK, the safety and well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. We prioritize creating a work environment that is physically, mentally and emotionally safe for everyone. Safety is our number one core value and priority. We believe in promoting mental health awareness as an integral part of our culture, whether you work on-site, ina shop or in the office. By providing training, our employees are encouraged to check in with their colleagues to express care for their well-being.

Resources for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

During difficult times, it’s common to feel isolated and helpless. However, it’s important to recognize that seeking help is a courageous act that demonstrates strength rather than weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts, remember that assistance is readily available.

Crisis Text Line: Text “Hello” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 OR 1.800.273.8255 (English), 1.888.628.9454 (Espanol), 1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

For more information about mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry, visit:

• The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
• Construction Financial Management Association
• Construction Working Minds
• Man Therapy

Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health symptom. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Every year, suicide rates in the United States climb higher and higher. On average, there are 133 suicides per day and according to a study by the CDC, over 47,000 people in the United States died by suicide each year.

If we drill down specifically to the construction industry, the problem is even more pronounced. A recent study in January 2020 found that the rate of suicides in construction is the second highest in the country, at approximately 5,500 suicides each year. For every 100,000 construction workers, over 45 will end up committing suicide. This is compared to the national average of over 14, which means that a person working in construction is 3.5 times more likely to take their own life. In fact, construction workers are more likely to die by suicide than from any other cause of death except accidents on the job. 

So why are suicides so prevalent in the construction industry? And what can companies do to provide a safe environment for their employees? Let’s take a closer look at mental health awareness in the construction industry and some of the factors that contribute to the high suicide rate.  

Factors that contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry 

Construction work can be incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically. Long hours, tight deadlines, and exposure to dangerous working conditions can all take a toll on a person’s mental health. What’s more, construction workers are often reluctant to seek help for fear of being seen as weak or unable to handle the job. As a result, mental health issues often go unaddressed until they reach a crisis point. 

There are several other factors that contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry. For instance, employees who are dissatisfied with their jobs are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Because of the nature of the work, many construction workers feel like they don’t have much control over their lives or their working conditions. This lack of control can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. 

In addition to these workplace-related factors, some personal factors can contribute to an increased risk of suicide. For example, alcohol abuse is common among construction workers and has been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Other risk factors include a history of depression or other mental illness, physical illness, financial stressors, relationship problems and a family history of mental illness or suicide. 

Steps to manage and prevent suicide in the workplace

While the reasons for suicide can be complex, there are steps that companies can take to help manage and prevent suicide in the workplace. First, companies need to learn about the warning signs of suicide. These can include changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, talking about wanting to die and giving away personal belongings. If an employee shows any of these signs, it’s important to create an open and safe environment where they feel comfortable discussing their problems, while also encouraging them to seek professional help.

It’s also important to provide easy access to resources for employees and to create safety guides for dealing with mental health, including actions to take if someone appears to be in danger of harming themselves. By taking these steps, companies can create a culture of safety and support that can help reduce the incidence of suicide in the construction industry.

Creating a safe work environment

Companies can create a safe environment for employees by promoting open communication about mental health struggles, providing access to resources and professional help when needed, and encouraging employees to lean on each other for support without shame or judgment. By raising awareness and taking measures to prevent suicides, we can save lives in the construction industry.

Investing in employee mental health

RK values its employees and understands the importance of creating a work environment that is safe, physically and mentally. Safety is the number one core value at RK and mental health awareness is a big part of the culture whether you are on a jobsite or in the office. We encourage employees to check in with their teammates to let them know you care about their well-being and provide training to help them better understand when to seek help for themselves or their teammates.

Mental health and suicide prevention resources

For information on our Employee Assistance Program, you can call 1.800.327.1850 or visit guidanceresources.com. This is available 24/7 for confidential support.

Crisis Text Line: 

Text “Hello” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 

988 OR 1.800.273.8255 (English)

1.888.628.9454 (Espanol)

1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Written by Ileana Morales

Making health and safety a priority in the workplace is important, and mental health is no exception. An employee’s mental health can affect their attitude and behavior, which in turn affects how they communicate with other staff and their overall productivity.

RK is committed to ensuring our employees experience a healthy work environment when they come to work each day. If you are looking for ways that your company can provide a more mentally healthy workplace during these trying times, look no further. Below are some tips to get you started.

• Promote work/life balance by offering employees more flexibility.
• Increase senior leadership engagement, encouraging open and realistic communication.
• Offer training on stress management for high-risk jobs.
• Provide opportunities for mentoring and coaching.
• Involve individuals and teams on important decisions, when possible.
• Help employees get support during and after stressful life events.
• Offer generous sick leave and accommodations for when employees need it most.
• Perform regular well-being checks on staff.
• Have a zero tolerance policy for bullying or discrimination.
• Discuss mental health in the workplace and promote resources, trainings and programs, including company participation in community and national events.
• Encourage employees to do their part:
  • Look after themselves and find ways to reduce their stress.
  • Ask for support if they need it.
  • Be supportive of coworkers who are going through a rough time.

Inclusive workplaces can positively influence community attitudes towards mental health. Investing in mental health not only benefits employees, but also creates a more positive and productive environment, often giving companies a better bottom line. In addition, companies that care about staff wellbeing are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Mental illness and substance abuse issues cost employers billions each year. While promoting a healthy workplace will not stop all mental health problems, it can help improve mental strength, keeping employees as healthy as possible. Creating a mentally healthy workplace is a clear win-win for both companies and employees.
 

Mentally Healthy Workplaces during COVID-19, accessed December 2, 2020, National Mental Health Commission – Australia

The Boss’ Guide to Creating a Mentally Healthy Workplace, December 10, 2018, Psychology Today

Healthy Workplaces, accessed December 2, 2020, Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance

Earlier this year, RK was featured on Denver 7 News in a story called “Construction company serves as national model for suicide prevention,” which highlighted the importance of removing the stigma around mental health in the workplace.

As an employer of skilled trades’ workers, one of the professions with a high rate of suicide, we take precautions to support and listen to our employees. The construction industry’s high rate of suicide stems from mental health issues, addiction, and a constantly changing job market. To ensure employees have a safe space, we have implemented certain initiatives, such as:

• Open communication culture that encourages employees to express their opinion and emotions in productive, healthy ways
• Mental wellness toolbox talks
• Suicide prevention training for all managers and supervisors
• Annual suicide prevention campaign with informative posters, social media posts, blogs and other company-wide messaging

In addition to RK’s efforts, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) suggests companies consider implementing the following resources at work to help reduce the likelihood of suicide.

• Issuing Wallet cards with warning signs and helplines to all employees
• Using Hardhat stickers to promote the CIASP STAND UP pledge
• Making screening tools accessible to help employees identify potential mental health issues
• Sharing Joyages Construction Industry Resource Page & Videos with teams to build awareness
• Asking your employee assistance program provider to present sessions on mental health and coping techniques

RK values our employees and understands the importance of mental health and wellness. Not only do we want our employees to receive the best mental and physical healthcare available, but we’d also like to help other companies provide access to the resources they need to do the same.

If you, or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to one of the numbers below to get help right away.

1. INTEGRATION RESOURCES, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

Prevention

Recognizing warning signs of suicidal behavior is the first step in prevention. The following actions may indicate that someone is thinking about suicide.

• • Talking about: feeling hopeless or trapped, death or wanting to die, ways to commit suicide, having great guilt or shame, feeling unbearable pain (physically or emotionally), or being a burden to others
  • Acting anxious, enraged, agitated or withdrawn
  • Giving away important possessions or making a will
  • Suddenly using excessive alcohol/drugs or taking unnecessary risks like excessive speeding
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family

If there is concern that someone may be contemplating suicide, ask them in a discreet and supportive way. Depression can prevent people from opening up. So, if you really believe something is wrong, keep asking and tell them about the changes that you have noticed in them. While it isn’t always easy, asking if an at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can save their life.

Intervention

If they admit that they are suicidal, be there for them. Listen carefully about what they are thinking and feeling. Acknowledging and talking about suicide can actually reduce suicidal thoughts. Refer them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Crisis Text Line’s number: 741741 for further support. Getting them to a trained professional is important, as they may need to be hospitalized until the crisis has passed.

If you can, consider removing harmful objects from their home that could be used for suicide, such as knives, firearms, ropes, pills and household cleaners containing dangerous chemicals. If the person takes a prescription that could be used for an overdose, encourage them to have someone else safeguard it.

Once someone has made it through a suicide crisis, they will still need ongoing support. Meeting regularly with a therapist is highly advised to work through the issues that brought them to considering suicide. This can help them find coping strategies in case thoughts of suicide begin to emerge again. Honoring milestones, like making it through another week or month is a great way to move forward with healing.

Additionally, after you have helped someone through a suicide crisis, staying in touch with them can make a big difference. Suicide death rates go down when someone regularly follows up with the at-risk person.

Even though it can be frightening to help someone through a suicide crisis, it is important to take action.  Most suicides can be prevented if the warning signs are recognized soon enough. By reaching out and getting them the support they need before it’s too late, you can help to save a life.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1.800.273.8255 (English)
1.888.628.9454 (Espanol)
1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Crisis Text Line:
Text “Hello” to 741741

September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention month. As an employer of skilled trades professionals, one of the professions with a high rate of suicide, RK takes precautions to support and listen to our valued employees. To ensure our employees have a safe space, we have implemented certain initiatives.

Open Communication Culture

Often we find the male-dominated construction industry often has the false perception that individuals in the skilled trades must always appear “tough.” RK promotes a culture of open communication, and we encourage employees to express their opinions and emotions in productive, healthy ways. Employees can speak freely with managers and supervisors when they feel wronged or if something is troubling them. Managers and supervisors are also required to promote a healthy open door policy with their team so that all employees feel valued and heard.

Mental Wellness Toolbox Talks

Toolbox Talks are a staple of our weekly communications here at RK, and although personal safety is a top priority, we also hold specific toolbox talks to emphasize the importance of mental wellness. In these talks we not only address the high amount of addiction, depression, and suicides that plague the construction industry but also promote healthy coping skills to help employees navigate their way through their feelings. Employees are provided resources at these talks so that they can reach out for help if needed.

Suicide Prevention Training

All managers, supervisors and our wellness team have received suicide prevention training. These classes supply our upper management teams with the skills to effectively identify associates who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or more severe mental health issues. RK understands that identifying suicidal warning signs early enough may prevent someone from taking their own life.

Wellness Coaches

RK has onsite wellness coaches that are available in our corporate locations and jobsites to check on and monitor the health and wellness of all employees. Coaches are trained to watch for associates who may be struggling personally or professionally to direct them to a licensed professional if needed. Our wellness staff also provides employees with alternative health and wellness recommendations that may help them to better cope with daily stressors.

RK values our employees and understands the importance of mental health and wellness. The construction industry’s high rate of suicide stems from mental health issues, addiction, and a constantly changing job market. RK works diligently to ensure all of our employees receive the best mental and physical healthcare available. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide please call 1.800.273.8255.