Building Awareness for Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry
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By Cal Beyer, National Advocate for Worker Wellbeing in the Construction Industry
robust construction industry is the foundation of a healthy economy. Construction and industrial tradespersons help build America. From the hands of trades workers come the necessary infrastructure and buildings where we conduct our lives in every way. The construction workforce helps build the economic prosperity and social progress we all enjoy. Unfortunately, the construction workforce is paying a steep price for their efforts. There is mounting evidence the construction workforce is a high-risk industry for various physical and behavioral health conditions. There are statistics to support each listed condition. However, the purpose of sharing the issues is to create awareness and understanding that the construction workforce is considered high risk for both physical and behavioral health. More importantly, this is a call to action for construction employers, labor unions, associations, workforce development specialists, and even medical and behavioral health-care professionals to take note and provide resources to help employees take care of themselves, families, coworkers, and friends.
22 BUILDING IDAHO • 2021 FALL/WINTER
The construction and industrial trades have high incidences of the following representative ailments and conditions Physical Health Conditions Fatigue Obesity High-blood pressure Tobacco use Cardiovascular disease Musculoskeletal disorders Chronic pain
Behavioral Health Conditions Social isolation and loneliness Stress and anxiety Depression Propensity for risk-taking Heavy/binge drinking Substance misuse Suicide
WHY ARE THE RISKS SO HIGH IN THE CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE? There are many fundamental industry factors that influence the risk factors. The ebb and flow of economic cycles, combined with end-of-project furloughs and seasonal layoffs, impact the financial wellbeing of workers. Construction is a pressure-packed industry with increasing demands to meet rising performance standards in schedule, budget, productivity, quality, and
