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August 27, 2021
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 suicide rate is about four times that of the general population, according to an OSHA press release.
As the CDC continues its research to understand the disparity, OSHA has formed a task force to raise awareness about the types of stress that can push construction workers into depression and suicide. The task force encourages industry employers to share and discuss available resources with their workers, the statement said.
The task force is also calling on the industry to participate in a week-long meeting on safety and suicide prevention, September 6-10, to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by construction workers.
“Work-related stress can have serious repercussions on mental health and, without the right support, can lead to drug addiction and even suicide,†the Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Safety and Health said at work, Jim Frederick. “Construction workers face many work-related stressors that can increase their risk factors for suicide, such as the uncertainty of seasonal work, demanding schedules and workplace injuries that are sometimes treated with opioids. “
Watch a video (below) on suicide prevention that Acting Assistant Secretary Frederick recently shared with members of the task force.
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