SUICIDE PREVENTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Suicide is a serious problem in the construction industry. Construction has the 2nd highest rate of suicides among all occupations. It is a high-stress job that has high rates of alcohol and drug use, as well as a “tough guy” culture.
AGC New Mexico is committed to offering our members the necessary tools and resources to help save lives. Mental health needs to be a part of the safety conversation.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number now available nationwide just like dialing 9-1-1. It remains FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and available 24/7.
MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT/SLIDES
On September 9, 2024, AGC New Mexico and fellow association partners hosted a joint Mental Health Summit focused on Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry. We covered a lot of material and shared resources and a positive views of the impact this movement had on the construction industry;
EVENT BROCHURE HERE
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
- RICHARD JONES, Youturn Health - https://www.agc-nm.org/docs/Rich_Jones.pptx
- RAY STENGLEIN, Your Wings of Hope - https://www.agc-nm.org/docs/Ray_Stenglein.pptx
- SHAYNA KLASSEN, QPR Institute - https://www.agc-nm.org/docs/Shayna_Klassen.pptx
- EMCEE: SONYA BOHMANN, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
QPR INSTITUTE - FREE training on September 27th & October 2nd, 2024 (11:00 am - 1:00 pm)
During the training you will learn to:
- How to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal
- How to get help for yourself or learn more about preventing suicide
- The common causes of suicidal behavior
- The warning signs of suicide
- How to get help for someone in crisis
- And much more!
The QPR Gatekeeper class is a certified course lasting 1 year, and it is imperative that you: 1. Arrive on time 2. Stay for the entirety of the class
3. Remain engaged and fight the urge to multitask. 4. We encourage participation. The more you put into the training, the more you get out of it.
Please reach out to Symone (strujillo@agc-nm.org) with any questions.
AGC, YOUTURN HEALTH PARTNER TO COMBAT SUBSTANCE USE AND SUICIDE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
AGC of America and Youturn Health are dedicated to providing support for behavioral health and substance use issues, and AGC is thrilled to announce a new program that provides member firms with special discounts on Youturn Health's innovative, construction-industry focused education and support services for your employees and their families.
The statistics speak for themselves—stress, depression, and substance use have taken a toll on the construction industry, with suicide rates soaring to 53.2 per 100,000 U.S. workers. This alarming figure is 4x higher than the national average and 5x greater than all other construction fatalities combined.
Youturn Health Provides:
- Peer Support - Trained peer coaches use their own experiences overcoming substance use and behavioral health struggles to help people take meaningful steps in their own journey.
- Online Learning and Videos - Access to over 450 educational videos and stories that help people understand stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, and more.
- Family Support - Family and loved ones also get access to the program and their own dedicated peer coach.
LEARN MORE
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
There are many mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention education and training options available on the market. These education/training options vary by target audience (construction specific vs general), cost, delivery method (online or in-person), and duration.
The list below is meant to serve as a starting point as you consider the needs of your team. It was compiled with input from AGC members and other industry professionals. However, please note that AGC has not used or vetted the content of these education/training courses and their inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement.
If you have experience with a particular vendor or service provider on or off this list, please share your experience with us by contacting Nazia Shah at nazia.shah@agc.org.
Resources from AGC of America
We encourage you to browse the wealth of information available through the AGC Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force to help you and your teams make the most of National Suicide Prevention Month:
-Employer Best Practices Guide
-Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program
-Toolbox Talks
-PSA Video Series
-Coins/Stickers/Posters/Banners
QUICK LINKS
- Coins, Stickers, Banners, etc. - AGC of Missouri has developed a wealth of tangible items (HOPE Coins, Hard Hat Stickers, Banners, and "Let's Talk" conversation card sets) for download or purchase directly from the supplier. Their innovative outreach program titled Hang On Pain Ends (HOPE) offers a position of care and concern while also offering assistance to those who may be in crisis. While they have been gracious enough to design and make available this program, please respect the branding and acknowledgment of their contributors. If you have any questions, please contact Brandon Anderson.
- Podcasts/Webinars/Videos/etc.
- Mental-Health Best-Practice Guide - Written as a Master’s Degree thesis by AGC of Washington safety director, Mandi Kime (CHST, B.S. & B.A., Central Washington University), this Mental-Health Best-Practice Guide is backed by member input to a construction-focused survey. Detailing eight practices that construction employers should consider, this is the first time, to our knowledge, that new data has been developed for mental health in construction that is completely accessible publicly.
Mental Health for the Construction Industry - Online training co-developed by AGC of Missouri and Washington University in St. Louis. Not only is physical safety important, but the safety of our mental and emotional health is also important. Click here for more information on taking better care of your mental health.
How to Build Wellness Programs with Impact - The construction industry is raising awareness and encouraging open discussion about mental health and substance abuse to reduce suicide in the workforce. We can all agree this is a scary subject and we need to address the public health crisis in our country. But how do we heal our workforce? Please use the resources on this page to help you spot warning signs, start the conversation, and provide support to those who need it – which can save lives. It takes construction professionals at all levels working together and with their risk partners to build a culture of caring and prevention.
Jobsite Posters
5.5" x 8.5"
11" x 17"
24" x 36"
Hardhat stickers and pocket coins are available. Please contact Brandon Anderson (636.887.5207).
NEED HELP NOW?
Visit: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Call: 800-273-8255
Text: 741741
VIDEOS
HELPFUL WEBSITES
