What is the suicide rate in the construction industry compared to others?

Construction has the second-highest suicide rate among major industries, trailing only mining.

What specific risk factors contribute to construction worker suicides?

Factors include demanding physical labor, job instability, substance abuse, and a demographic profile with higher suicide risk.

Are there support systems in place for construction workers facing mental health crises?

Yes, employers and unions offer expanded mental health support, drug treatment, and suicide prevention training.

Home / Health / Construction's Silent Crisis: Suicide Rates Soar

Construction's Silent Crisis: Suicide Rates Soar

10 Jan

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Summary

Construction workers face higher suicide and overdose rates than other industries.
Mental health support and prevention programs are expanding but struggle to curb crisis.
Risk factors include demanding labor, job instability, and substance abuse prevalence.

Construction's Silent Crisis: Suicide Rates Soar

Construction workers face a devastating crisis with alarmingly high rates of suicide and drug overdoses, surpassing most other industries. While construction is known for its physical dangers, claiming about 1,000 lives annually from work-related injuries, the numbers of deaths from suicide and overdose are starkly higher.

Efforts to combat this crisis include expanded mental health services, drug treatment programs, and widespread availability of overdose reversal drugs like Narcan. Suicide prevention training is also becoming commonplace. However, these measures struggle against a backdrop of inherent job risks, including demanding physical labor, unpredictable work schedules, and a culture where substance use can be prevalent.

Compounding these issues are specific risk factors prevalent in the industry, such as a workforce often composed of men without college degrees and veterans, groups with higher suicide and gun ownership rates. The cyclical nature of construction work and the potential for addiction from painkiller prescriptions further exacerbate the vulnerability of workers.