Each September, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month, shining a spotlight on one of the construction industry’s most urgent challenges, mental health and suicide prevention. With suicide rates in construction among the highest of any profession, this annual observance is a critical opportunity to raise awareness, encourage open conversations, and provide resources to help workers and employers create safer, healthier workplaces.
While mental health and suicide may not be viewed as traditional occupational safety and health issues, they have real work-related impacts.
- Research shows that work-related stress can affect mental well-being and may lead to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or suicide.
- Unmanaged stress and poor mental health may negatively affect a worker’s job performance, productivity, work engagement and communication, physical capability, and daily functioning.
- Suicide is among the leading causes of death among working-age adults in the U.S.
- The rate of suicides is four times higher among construction workers than it is among the general population. Several contributing factors include the seasonal or inconsistent nature of the work, demanding schedules and shifts, and work-related injuries.
- OSHA is taking proactive steps to help provide information, guidance, and training on mental wellness and suicide prevention. These efforts include:
- A suicide awareness publication in English and Spanish to inform workers of what they can do if they think a co-worker may be at risk of suicide.
- Workplace stress webpage offering guidance, training, and valuable resources on mental health and stress management – osha.gov/workplace-stress
- New partnerships and alliances, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to help workers and employers prevent suicides.
- Educational resources that address workplace stress, mental health wellness, and substance use.
- Additional information can be found at:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat for 24/7, free, and confidential support, including prevention and crisis resources for employees.
- Crisis Text Line: Text “TALK” to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org from anywhere in the USA to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor for free, 24/7.
1-800-OSHA(6742) | TTY 1-877-889-5627 osha.gov/preventingsuicides