Report Findings Call Attention to State of Mental Health in Construction Industry

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As the pandemic continues to impact the economy and mental health of many workers, construction experiences the second highest rate of suicide among major industries. A new survey of the construction workforce from the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Center for Workplace Mental Health, the Construction Financial Management Association, CSDZ and Holmes Murphy, calls attention to this issue and offers insights. The online 20-question survey was launched in March 2021, and was answered by 1,175 respondents. It was distributed in all regions of the country by the four sponsoring organizations, along with state chapters of national construction trade associations, labor unions … Read more

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OSHA Promotes Safety Stand-Downs during Suicide Prevention Week to Combat Surge in Construction Worker Suicides

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While the hazards most often associated with workplace deaths in the U.S. construction industry – falling, being struck-by or crushed by equipment or other objects or suffering electrocution are well-known – a recent study finds that another potential killer is taking lives at an alarming rate. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that men working in construction have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. Their rate of suicide is about four times higher than the general population. While the CDC continues its research to understand the disparity, the U.S. Department of Labor’s … Read more

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How Superintendents Can Support Mental Health on the Jobsite

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By Sean Clements In June 2020, roughly 40% of American adults reported struggling with mental health – including 11% who seriously considered suicide. But in the construction industry, the statistics rank even higher, with 49 out of 100,000 men in construction dying of suicide, nearly twice the rate of men in other industries. These figures don’t lie, but it is certainly a challenge to address them adequately. In an industry where sensitive issues like mental health and stress are simply swept under the rug, struggling workers feel helpless and hopeless – or just completely invisible. The stigma associated with admitting … Read more

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CPWR Releases New Safety + Health Resources for the New Year 

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The start of a new year offers a great opportunity to find new ways to address ongoing hazards to construction workers. CPWR is supporting that work by adding to its collection of free resources that promote safety and health. The organization’s latest materials focus on: Solvents: A new Hazard Alert (in English and Spanish), Toolbox Talk (English, Spanish) and infographic all describe the hazards of these chemicals and how to protect workers. Isocyanates: A new Impact Card describes how a CPWR-funded researcher helped an occupied healthcare facility when spray polyurethane foam was installed. RF Radiation: At low levels radiofrequency radiation, … Read more

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Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s First Strategic Planning Session Propels Initiative Forward

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In August, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention recently became classified as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and, on Sept. 25, held its first strategic planning session in Washington, D.C. Formed two years ago by the Construction Financial Management Association, the mission of the alliance is to provide and disseminate information and resources for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction. During strategic planning, nearly 30 representatives from 17 alliance member organizations and the board of trustees created a framework for the future by forming governance, fundraising, education and marketing task forces. The board … Read more

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