Construction Suicide Prevention Week 2025: Building Safety from the Ground Up Action Plan
- Kari Heistad
- Aug 6, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
Also check out this additional article: Building a Lasting Mental Health Program
September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when communities across America come together to raise awareness about suicide prevention. For the construction industry, this month carries particular significance, as workers face suicide rates that are among the highest of any profession in the United States.
The numbers are sobering. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the construction worker suicide rate is approximately 53 per 100,000 workers, nearly four times higher than the national average. This means that in 2023 alone, an estimated 5,000 construction workers died by suicide, far exceeding the number of estimated 1,000 workers who died from workplace accidents.
For 2025, September 8-14 has been designated as Construction Suicide Prevention Week. In this blog post, we are focusing on concrete actions that construction companies, supervisors, and workers can implement immediately to create safer, more supportive work environments.
What Is Construction Suicide Prevention Week?
Construction Suicide Prevention Week, observed annually during National Suicide Prevention Month, is a dedicated time for the construction industry to unite in preventing suicide and promoting mental wellness. This week provides a focused opportunity to implement industry-specific interventions and normalize mental health conversations on job sites across America.
Daily Action Plan for Construction Suicide Prevention Week
The following is a sample outline a company could follow for the week, or choose one day and implement for a day during the week.
Monday: Assessment and Awareness
Conduct a mental health climate survey (anonymous) to understand your workforce's needs
Distribute mental health resources and ensure the 988 number is posted at all job sites
Hold toolbox talks about mental health awareness and suicide prevention
Tuesday: Training and Education
Train supervisors and forepeople in Mental Health First Aid
Educate workers on recognizing warning signs in themselves and coworkers
Share stories of recovery and hope (with permission) to reduce stigma
Wednesday: Resource Connection
Invite Employee Assistance Program representatives to job sites
Provide information about local mental health services and support groups
Ensure health insurance mental health benefits are clearly explained
Thursday: Peer Support Systems
Establish buddy systems or peer support networks
Train volunteer peer supporters in basic mental health support techniques
Create communication channels for workers to report concerns anonymously
Friday: Policy and Commitment
Review and update company mental health policies
Commit to long-term mental health initiatives beyond this single week
Plan ongoing mental health programming and check-ins
Creating Psychologically Safe Job Sites
Building a mentally healthy workplace requires intentional changes to both the physical environment and workplace culture. A psychologically safe job site is one where workers feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges without fear of judgment or career consequences. These environmental and cultural shifts work together to normalize help-seeking behavior and create an atmosphere of mutual support.
Environmental Changes:
Post mental health resources visibly and prominently
Create quiet spaces where workers can take mental health breaks
Ensure adequate lighting and comfort in break areas
Display positive messaging about seeking help
Cultural Shifts:
Lead by example, management should openly discuss the importance of mental health
Celebrate workers who seek help rather than stigmatizing them
Include mental health in regular safety discussions
Acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical safety
Supervisor Toolkit: Recognizing and Responding
Supervisors and forepeople are often the first to notice when a worker is struggling, making them crucial frontline defenders in suicide prevention efforts. However, many lack the training to recognize warning signs or respond appropriately to mental health concerns. This toolkit provides practical guidance for identifying at-risk workers and taking meaningful action to connect them with help.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
Changes in work performance or attendance
Increased irritability or mood swings
Social withdrawal from team activities
Talking about feeling hopeless or trapped
Increased risk-taking or reckless behavior
Giving away tools or personal items
Expressing feelings of being a burden
How to Respond:
Listen without judgment: Create space for honest conversation
Express concern directly: "I've noticed you seem different lately. How are you doing?"
Avoid trying to fix everything: Your role is to listen and connect them to resources
Follow up consistently: Check in regularly, don't assume one conversation is enough
Know your resources: Have contact information for EAPs, mental health professionals, and crisis lines readily available
Construction Industry-Specific Resources to Implement
The construction industry has unique stressors and workplace dynamics that require specialized mental health resources and approaches. Generic wellness programs often fall short because they don't address the specific challenges construction workers face daily. These industry-tailored tools and resources are designed to resonate with construction culture and provide practical solutions that workers will actually use.
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) Tools:
Toolbox talk templates specifically designed for construction teams
Supervisor training modules
Worker resource cards that fit in hard hats
Suicide prevention protocols for job sites
Measuring Success and Maintaining Momentum
Effective suicide prevention requires ongoing commitment and continuous improvement rather than one-time initiatives. Without proper measurement and sustained effort, even well-intentioned programs can lose impact over time. Tracking key metrics and maintaining year-round focus ensures that Construction Suicide Prevention Week becomes a catalyst for lasting cultural change rather than just a single week of awareness.
Construction Suicide Prevention Week is just the beginning. To ensure lasting impact:
Track These Metrics:
Employee Assistance Program utilization rates
Mental health-related sick days and turnover
Anonymous feedback on workplace mental health climate
Participation in mental health training and resources
Maintain Momentum:
Continue supervisor training programs
Regularly update and refresh resources
Share success stories and positive outcomes
Emergency Resources - Always Available
Immediate Crisis Support:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
Chat here: https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911
Construction-Specific Support:
CIASP Helpline: Available through preventconstructionsuicide.com
Construction Financial Wellness resources for job-related stress
Remember: Construction Suicide Prevention Week isn't just about this one week, it's about starting conversations and implementing changes that will save lives throughout the year. Every action you take, no matter how small, contributes to a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
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