September is Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. To combat these statistics, contractors, unions, associations, industry service providers and project owners must work together to stand up for suicide prevention.
The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) was born out of necessity in response to a statistics released in a CDC study ranking construction as the number-one industry for deaths by suicide.
Established by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) in 2016 to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health issues, CIASP became a stand alone 501(c)(3) organization in 2018 to raise awareness about suicide prevention and provide resources and tools to create a zero suicide industry by uniting and supporting the construction community.
With a suicide rate that is four times greater than the national average, the construction industry is facing a crisis. Construction workers are at a heightened risk for suicide for a variety of reasons that can all be addressed – starting with changing the culture in the workplace.
If you are thinking about suicide or are in need of help, there are several free resources that provide confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are concerned that a friend, family member or co-worker is at risk for suicide, you can also reach out to these resources for help.
If you are an employer who has had an employee attempt or die by suicide, click here for postvention resources.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For immediate help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)