Spotting the Silent Struggle: Suicide Awareness in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is known for grit, hard work, and long hours—but behind that toughness lies a quieter reality that deserves urgent attention. Construction has the highest suicide rate of any industry in the United States, according to the CDC. And during Suicide Awareness Month, the week of September 8–12 is nationally recognized as Suicide Prevention Week in Construction.
At Safety Compliance Solutions, safety goes beyond hard hats and work zones—it includes the mental health and well-being of every worker on-site. This week, we’re raising awareness, starting conversations, and providing tools that help crews take care of each other in every way that matters.
Why Suicide Rates Are So High in Construction
Several risk factors make the construction workforce especially vulnerable:
Stigma around mental health, especially among men.
Job stress from tight deadlines, physical labor, and inconsistent schedules.
Isolation from long hours, travel, or remote job sites.
Substance abuse, often used as a coping mechanism.
Lack of access to mental health resources on the job.
Understanding these risk factors helps us break the silence and start changing the culture.
5 Warning Signs Someone May Be Struggling
These signs aren’t always easy to spot, but they matter:
Withdrawing from coworkers or becoming unusually quiet
Changes in mood—from anger and irritability to sadness or hopelessness
Talking about being a burden or saying things like “everyone would be better off without me”
Risky behavior or increased use of alcohol or drugs
Giving away belongings or talking about “getting affairs in order”
If you see something, say something. Ask them how they’re doing. Check in. Don’t assume it’s just a bad day.
How to Help: 5 Ways to Create a Supportive Job Site
Talk About It
Break the silence. Post signs, share stories, and let your crew know it’s okay to not be okay.Train Your Team
Offer toolbox talks and training on mental health, just like you do for fall protection or trench safety.Check In Regularly
Supervisors and foremen should make mental wellness part of their daily check-ins.Provide Resources
Have numbers for hotlines, counselors, or local support ready. Make them visible on jobsite boards or kiosks.Lead by Example
A safe culture starts at the top. If you’re in leadership, be vulnerable. Be human. And be consistent.
Final Word: Safety Is Mental Health Too
If we only focus on physical safety, we miss half the equation. Mental health is jobsite safety. It’s time we treat it that way. During Suicide Prevention Week—and every week—let’s check in, speak up, and stand together.
Because no one should have to carry the weight alone.
Need Mental Health or Suicide Prevention Training?
At Safety Compliance Solutions, we’re proud to be a thought leader in safety training—including mental wellness and suicide prevention. We offer:
Mental Health First Aid Training
Suicide Awareness Toolbox Talks
Custom training for foremen and leadership teams
Let’s build a stronger, safer, and more compassionate jobsite—together. Reach out today to schedule a training or learn more.
