According to the CDC, the construction industry has the second-highest rate of suicide in the U.S. During the month of September, construction professionals dedicate this time to National Suicide Prevention Month, when the industry unites to raise awareness about suicide prevention, provide life-saving resources and combat the stigma surrounding suicide.
Since the construction industry faces higher suicide rates than any other industry, making this conversation is more important than ever. During Suicide Prevention Month, teams on PARIC’s active project sites stopped work to participate in stand downs focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Partnering with OSHA, our teams came together to talk openly about risk factors, share experiences and distribute resources, including 988 cards for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to reinforce that support is only a call or text away.
Our teams and trade partners also participated in toolbox talks to recognize warning signs, support suicide prevention, look out for one another and encourage help-seeking behaviors. These moments reflect our core value, Power of One Team, that no one is ever alone.
Outside of work, our PARIC people came together to take part in the Out of Darkness Walk, joining thousands across the community to honor those affected by suicide, and to help raise awareness and funds for prevention efforts.
PARIC’s ongoing commitment to protecting the well-being of every worker – both on and off the job site – extends far beyond September. We continue to foster a culture of awareness, support, compassion and open conversation about mental health.
For mental health resources:
https://www.osha.gov/preventingsuicides
https://afsp.org/get-help/
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/suicide/
