Construction Faces Urgent Suicide Crisis

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the construction industry is confronting an escalating public health emergency. According to national data, construction has the second-highest suicide rate of any occupation, surpassed only by mining.

“This is a national tragedy, and we must end these devastating deaths among our colleagues. It’s time to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health issues with the goal of creating a zero-suicide construction industry,” the op-ed urges.

With more than 8 million workers nationwide, industry leaders stress that mental health must be prioritized with the same urgency and resources as physical safety.

Why Construction Workers Are at Greater Risk

Several intersecting factors contribute to the elevated risk of suicide in construction:

1. An aging workforce faces physical and emotional stress from decades on demanding job sites.
2. Gender disparities compound the issue, with men—who make up nearly 85% of construction workers—being four times more likely to die by suicide than women, while also being less likely to seek support because of stigma.
3. Veterans often find natural career pathways into construction thanks to their transferable skills, but with veterans dying by suicide at a rate of 22 per day, this group faces heightened risk.
4. Younger workers are increasingly vulnerable to social media pressures, which can worsen self-image and amplify stress.

The op-ed stresses that “ending this national tragedy requires addressing mental health in the construction industry and giving workers the tools they need to recognize and protect their emotional well-being.”

The Role of Employers and Industry Leaders

Because construction workers spend so much of their lives at job sites, the workplace itself has become a critical entry point for providing mental health resources, support systems, and early intervention.

“Across the construction sector, we must incorporate mental health and wellness as core business values,” the op-ed states.

Some initiatives are already underway. Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey (ABC-NJ) and its members are working to:

• Build workplace cultures that encourage open conversations about mental health.
• Provide training so managers and coworkers can recognize warning signs and offer help.
• Partner with national resources such as the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Employers are also being urged to adopt total human health programs, which take a whole-person approach by engaging body, mind, heart, and soul. This includes creating psychologically safe environments where workers feel respected, acknowledging risks such as distraction and impairment, and responding with appropriate care.

A Call to Culture Change

The construction industry has made great strides in reducing physical hazards through training, safety equipment, and strict protocols. Advocates argue it’s now time to apply that same model of prevention and investment to mental health.

“By changing the culture of the construction industry and how we approach mental health issues, we can make a difference in the lives of our workers. Our greatest asset is our people, and our goal is to create a zero-suicide industry,” the op-ed concludes.

Originally reported by Samantha DeAlmeida Roman, Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey (New Jersey) in ROI-NJ.