United States
You Matter. We Care.
Although there is more awareness about mental health now than ever, it continues to be referred to as “the silent epidemic” for construction workers. In fact, suicide rates for people in our industry are three times higher than the United States national average.
At STOBG, we have spent the last year emphasizing to our employees and their colleagues that it’s okay not to be okay. As a natural extension of the caring work culture our Safety 360⁰ program has cultivated over the last several years, we established a Mental Health & Wellbeing Committee to ensure we are providing our workers and partners with mental health and wellness resources. The last year, in particular, has taught us the power of unity and caring about one another. Talking to someone helps—whether that’s a friend, family member, or healthcare professional.
Each of our offices offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), we have signage and communications across offices and jobsites, and our intranet hosts a number of trainings, programs, websites, and other resources to keep raising awareness of the challenges our industry faces when it comes to mental health—and to let people know they are not alone.
Help is available: crisis and suicide resources
UK & IRELAND: 116223 (SamaritansGo to https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/)
USA: 988 (Suicide Prevention LifelineGo to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/contact-the-lifeline/)
CA: Text HOME to 686868 (Crisis TextlineGo to https://www.crisistextline.ca/)
For emergencies:
USA: 911
IRELAND: 999 or 112
UK: 999
Recognizing the Signs
Ohana.ieGo to http://www.ohana.ie/ is a free, 20-minute training which focuses on breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations about suicide prevention. It can also help you recognize some of the signs from a colleague, friend or family member.
Factors that have led to such a high rate of suicide in construction may include:
- A role that often is isolating
- Periods of unsteady employment depending on seasons
- Mental health stigma
- Sleep disruption
- Chronic pain caused by manual labor
- Travel which may separate workers from families and friends
- Physical strain
- Access to means of committing suicide like high places
- Pressure to finish projects
- Low or inconsistent pay
- Poor working conditions
Health & Wellness at STO Building Group
