Link to ASSP Professional Safety Journal article ⬇
The Emotionally Naked Truth About Suicide in Construction,
by AnneMoss Rogers
……In the construction industry, five times more workers die by suicide than they do from work-related injuries (OSHA, 2022). While not all safety professionals work in construction, this industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries, and it has twice the total suicide rate than civilian working men.
There are several major issues underlying suicide in construction……..Read the Entire Article Free
You can get some sample conversations in the orange link below ⬇
Included in the auto are example conversations that also work between co-workers. You will get:
- Sample Conversation Between an Employee & Manager about Being Overwhelmed
- Sample Conversation Between an Employee & Manager about Suicide (Workplace)
- Sample Conversation Between an Employee & Manager about Suicide (Construction)
- Mental Health Poster Pack PDF (printable posters)
- Outside support resources
- Free eBooks
Get Workplace Mental Health Resources
Article Summary
The article discusses the high suicide rates in the construction industry and emphasizes the importance of mental health support and prevention strategies. It also has some good stories that punctuate the examples.
Suicide in the Construction Industry
- Construction workers are five times more likely to die by suicide than from work-related injuries (OSHA 2022).
- The industry has a suicide rate twice that of civilian working men.
- Major issues include stigma, lack of awareness, bullying, long hours, and substance misuse.
- Access to firearms increases suicide risk, with over 54% of firearm deaths being suicides.
- An aging workforce faces chronic pain and stress, leading to higher suicide risk.
Importance of Psychological Safety
- Psychological safety should be integral to workplace safety culture.
- Stress affects cognitive ability and overall mental health.
- Safety professionals must consider emotional wellness alongside physical safety.
- A culture of psychological safety can reduce workplace hazards and improve productivity.
Steps to Suicide Prevention
- Treat mental health with the same importance as physical safety.
- Create a culture where employees can discuss emotional struggles without fear.
- Train staff to recognize warning signs of suicide risk.
- Encourage discreet support systems and directly ask about suicidal thoughts. (examples in the article)
Steps to Prevention
- Support for mental health must come from top leadership.
- Leaders should share their own stories of hardship, help, healing, and hope. (example story in the article)
- Treat mental health issues as the root causes of workplace stress.
- Create safe spaces for mental health conversations to foster openness.
Tips for Inspiring Difficult Conversations
- Provide a safe environment for discussions about mental health.
- Use mental health awareness events to launch conversations.
- Offer resources and support materials in common areas.
- Conduct anonymous surveys to gauge employee comfort in discussing mental health.
Signs of Potential Suicide
- Warning signs include expressions of worthlessness, feelings of being a burden, and withdrawal from social interactions.
- Behavioral changes may include increased substance use, sleep disturbances, and giving away possessions.
- Mood changes can manifest as depression, irritability, or sudden relief.
Implementing Mental Health Action
- Professional support is essential for mental health issues.
- Listening is crucial; it helps individuals feel heard and understood. (great story in the article from someone in the field)
- Connect individuals with appropriate resources for further help.
Key Steps for Action
- Engage in private conversations and listen empathetically. (examples in the article and also in the mental health resources for workplaces email)
- Directly ask if someone is thinking about suicide. (Are you thinking of suicide? Example conversation in the mental health resources for workplaces email)
- Connect the person with help, such as calling 9-8-8 together.
- Create a culture where discussing mental health is normalized.
Resources for Suicide Prevention
- Various resources are available for workplace mental health and suicide prevention, including hotlines and guides for managers.
- Contact the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 for immediate support.
AnneMoss Rogers is a leading wellness and suicide education expert and one of the top mental health speakers and suicide prevention speakers. Known for her powerful, motivational keynotes, AnneMoss combines her personal story of loss with proven strategies to help organizations build a wellness culture that drives results and saves lives. She speaks at conferences, workplaces, K-12 schools, and universities, delivering impactful presentations that inspire change and promote mental health awareness.
AnneMoss does this work in memory of her son, Charles, who struggled with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and died by suicide at age 20 in 2015.