September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The construction industry has dedicated September 4th – September 8th, 2023, as Construction Suicide Prevention Week to raise awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Together, we can save lives.
The construction industry has the second highest rate of suicide in the United States at 53.3 per 100,000 workers according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In the U.S. there are approximately 123 suicides per day. That breaks down to one death every 12 minutes.
Daily toolbox talks are available for no charge from the Construction Suicide Prevention Week Planning (CSPWP) Committee to help employers effectively support mental wellness among their workers or use for content for a stand-down or other events with your employees. These toolbox talks are provided in English and Spanish and provide valuable resources to reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Tool Box Talks from Construction Suicide Prevention Week
The Construction Suicide Prevention Week website provides comprehensive information and resources for employers in the construction industry to support participation in Suicide Prevention Week.
Lastly, there is a Safety Forum brought to you by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3) on September 7th, 2023, on Mental Well-being & Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry. Learn how you and your company can create a culture of caring and support in your organization. This interactive forum includes local speakers representing owners, contractors, and trade organizations. Click here to register.Â
TOGETHER, WE CAN SAVE LIVES.