The construction industry is known for the risks it holds. The industry demands the toughest and most challenging jobs whether from the labourers or from the construction contractors. The U.S. construction industry is continuously seeing a higher suicidal ratio than that of the overall population. These rates have become a major concern, which has sparked conversations and actions targeted at resolving this important issue.
However, specific jobs may have different suicide rates within the construction industry. For instance, labourers may be at a higher risk compared to other positions within the business because they frequently handle physically demanding duties and job uncertainty.
Suicidal Rate in The Construction Industry
The mining industry, Quarrying, and Petroleum Extraction sectors stand out over all others according to the CDC report as having the highest risk of suicide. The data also reveals that this sector holds the fatalities as 54 suicides for every 100,000 people in the sector. The mortality rate is alarmingly twice as high as the country’s average of 27 deaths per 100,000 people.
In addition, the construction sector alone displays a troubling pattern, with 45 suicides per 100,000 people. This rate is much higher than the national average even though it is marginally lower than the Mining and Extraction industry.
Strategies to Prevent Suicide
There are three fundamental tactics that construction companies might use to solve this issue.
- Open Dialogue
Workers are discouraged from talking about their mental health issues in the construction industry because of the prevalent “toughen up” mindset. The first step in preventing accidents is to start discussing the dangers and challenges that construction workers confront. Starting these discussions can have a big impact. Construction workers or heavy equipment operators can recognize that they are not alone in their problems by exchanging experiences and insights. There are tools available that provide employees the ability to start these talks, like courses from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.
The objective is to normalize conversations about mental health, lessen the stigma attached to receiving assistance, and encourage individuals in need to get the treatment they need.
- Post-Work Care
Construction workers frequently encounter enormous difficulties on and off the job site. How do they fare once they clock out? Do they have a mechanism in place for support? It is necessary to establish a culture that values effective communication. In a discussion, Michelle Walker from SSC Underground gave a moving story of how coworkers came together to help a struggling employee. They were able to offer immediate assistance by starting a dialogue and asking a vital question, “Are you thinking about taking your own life?”
Building this sense of support and community within your construction company has the potential to be transformative. A sense of community and caring can be promoted by putting in place procedures like a call sheet where coworkers alternate checking in on one another. It’s simple to get lost in the numbers, but your workforce’s happiness is what truly determines success.
- Build Hope
Desperation can be treated with hope. It’s necessary to understand the link between physical and mental well-being in the construction sector, where physical challenges are common. Workers frequently have injuries and destructive addictions, which can easily trigger suicidal thoughts. You can still give your workers a sense of hope even if you are unable to provide nutritious meals to each employee.
Arrange a cross-training program for your employees and give them leverage to learn about the basic survival and avoidance strategies to move well in the various corporate roles. This not only promotes hope but also secures the future of your company. Moreover, you can give your employees a lifeline at a critical time by attending to common worries like medical costs and financial stability following an injury.
By putting these strategies into practice, construction companies can not only lower the suicide rate but also build a more sympathetic and resilient workforce where the power of solidarity prevails over the solitude of depression. Together, we can create a more promising and secure environment for the construction sector.