Construction CEOs launch efforts to prevent worker suicide

A CEO Advisory Board for the New Construction Industry, dedicated to tackling the problem of suicide in the construction industry recently took shape.

The council will lead an industry-wide effort to develop solutions addressing the high suicide rate among construction workers. This initiative builds on a program Bechtel launched earlier this year.

Backed by the largest funding commitment in history to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the initiative aims to develop new research-based programs and resources tailored to the construction industry.

Led by a newly created Construction Initiatives team within AFSP, the initiative aims to reach 500,000 U.S. construction workers over the next five years through industry-specific programs and resources to increase awareness of mental health care and suicide prevention.

Earlier this year, Bechtel launched a mental health first aid training program and implemented mental health action plans for all projects. Recently, nearly 15,000 employees across 50 projects and 11 countries took part in a standoff and a minute’s silence to address the problem.