Suicide & Construction
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the construction industry has the highest rate of suicide among working adults. In 2016, the suicide rate for men in construction and extraction occupations was 49.4/100,000 – that is almost twice the total suicide rate for civilian working men (16-64 years old) in 32 states1 (27.4/100,000) and 5 times greater than the rate for all fatal work-related injuries in the construction industry in 2018 (9.5/100,000). Factors such as long working hours, high risk of injury/chronic pain and workplace stress can be contributors of the higher rates in suicidal ideation.
Suicide is Preventable
Prevention starts with awareness. Suicide rates have increased nation wide since 1999, as much as 30% in some states (Center for Disease Control). Normalizing the conversation around suicide can help those suffering understand it is okay to reach out. Awareness programs specifically teach participants how to identify and support people at risk, teach coping and problem-solving skills to help manage stress/life challenges, help individuals connect with their community and help guide them healthcare resources.
Suicide Prevention in Construction
Organizations specifically tackling the high rates of suicide in construction have developed. These organizations are made of all aspects of the construction industry and government organizations like OSHA and Department of Labor. Their goal is to promote workplace mental health and suicide prevention awareness.
Resources & Services
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Website : 988lifeline.org
Call: 988
Text: 988
Call & Text Available 24/7
Description
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is a free call line that provides emotional support to those experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. This service is available 24/7 nation wide. The lifeline is comprised of a network of 200 local crisis centers, with trained crisis counselors and will provide custom care depending on the callers local. A chat service is also available if you prefer to text instead of talk.
What to Expect
Both phone and chat are confidential and available 24/7.
When you call 988 you will be greeted by an automated greeting message. For Spanish please press (2), for veterans please press (1). If neither applies stay on the line. Your call will be redirected to your nearest local crisis center. If your local crisis center is busy you will be rerouted to the national backup network. The wait time can vary depending on call demand. The trained crisis counselor will listen to your situation and provide resources.
For chat, you will fill out a brief pre-chat survey. Afterwards you will receive a wait time message while being connected to a crisis counselor. If that demand for counselors are high they recommend you browse their helpful resources section while you wait or call 988. The crisis counselor is there to listen and provide resources that maybe helpful to you. Chat is available in Spanish. For Spanish text AYUDA to 988. If you are LGBTQI+ youth you can request you can opt-in to this support before being connected to a counselor. There is a Veteran dedicated chat line as well. For that text 838255.
Santa Clara County Suicide Crisis Hotline
Website : https://bhsd.sccgov.org/programs-services/suicide-prevention-crisis
Call: 1-855-278-4204 or 988
Text: RENEW to 741741
Call & Text Available 24/7
Description
Santa Clara County Suicide Crisis Hotline was established in 2010. The organization's mission is reducing and preventing suicides in Santa Clara County. This is the local crisis center for 408/650/669 area codes. Please remember you can also dial 988 and you will be redirected to this line.
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Their website is also a great resource. They provides mental health and suicide awareness prevention resources in multiple languages. On their site they have organized resources specific to K-12, youth & young adult and veterans. The County of Santa Clara can also provide mental health and suicide prevention training to your organization.
What to Expect
Both phone and chat are confidential and available 24/7.
When you call 988 you will be greeted by an automated greeting message. For Spanish please press (2), for veterans please press (1). If neither applies stay on the line. Your call will be redirected to your nearest local crisis center. If your local crisis center is busy you will be rerouted to the national backup network. The wait time can vary depending on call demand. The trained crisis counselor will listen to your situation and provide resources.
For chat, you will fill out a brief pre-chat survey. Afterwards you will receive a wait time message while being connected to a crisis counselor. If that demand for counselors are high they recommend you browse their helpful resources section while you wait or call 988. The crisis counselor is there to listen and provide resources that maybe helpful to you. Chat is available in Spanish. For Spanish text AYUDA to 988. If you are LGBTQI+ youth you can request you can opt-in to this support before being connected to a counselor. There is a Veteran dedicated chat line as well. For that text 838255.
Learn More
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force
The task force was established to help develop a comprehensive collection of mental health and suicide prevention resources construction companies can utilize.
​Quick Links
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
"We all can help prevent suicide."
​Quick Links
County of Santa Clara Behavior Health Services: Suicide Prevention & Crisis
"Suicide Prevention Program has the mission of reducing and preventing suicides in Santa Clara County, by bringing community awareness to the issue and engaging in community prevention efforts."