Contractor Organization Releases Toolbox Talks on Suicide Prevention
Originally Published by: Safety and Health Magazine — September 26, 2023
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In light of statistics showing construction workers are almost four times more likely than the average American to die from suicide, a contractor association has created suicide prevention resources.
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Each year, about 5,000 construction workers die from suicide, according to a press release from the Building Trades Employers’ Association. BTEA adds that five times as many construction workers die from suicide than from a work-related injury.
Among the resources are a series of toolbox talks, which include “How to Talk to Someone as Risk of Suicide,” “The Risk of Suicide in Construction” and “Mental Health and Suicide Prevention as a Safety Priority.”
The association has also produced a suicide awareness video and offers hard hat stickers with the message “IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK.” The stickers feature the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number – 988.
BTEA, which announced the resources during Suicide Prevention Month (observed each September), encourages anyone who’s in need of support to seek counseling and services.
“For an industry known for its grit and dedication, acknowledging the need to address total wellness will make us even stronger,” BTEA President and CEO Elizabeth Crowley said in the release. “It’s our hope that this campaign will boost awareness, reduce the stigma and ultimately save lives.”