How a Simple Conversation Can Prevent Suicide on the Jobsite

A conversation can save a life in the construction industry’s health and safety

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide among U.S. industries, with 1,000 workers who died from construction-related work accidents in 2022 compared to 6,000 who died by suicide.

The good news is eight out of 10 people who are suicidal are ambivalent; they cannot make up their minds. Nine out of 10 people give hints in the week leading up to a suicide attempt. This means that you can make a difference, you can save a life, and you can do it by doing something as simple as having a conversation. If you know how. In this article, I will show you the signs to look for and the way to start that life-saving conversation.

Construction Safety’s Next Frontier: Suicide Prevention

Construction Risk Factors

You may ask why the construction industry has such a high rate of suicide. There are a number of factors that put construction workers at higher risk.

• Construction is a male-heavy occupation, and currently, eight out of 10 suicides in the United States every year are men.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for men under the age of 45 in the Unites States.
• Women attempt suicide three times more often than men, but men tend to complete a suicide.
• Men are often pressured to suppress emotions, especially vulnerability, which can lead to a deterioration of mental health and difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Additionally, many construction workers are veterans who struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In this physically demanding occupation, many have injuries that are treated with opioids (see the article by Cal Beyer in the February issue for more information).

Recent research studies show there is a relationship between physical pain and mental health disorders. The problem presents a vicious cycle: Workers experience pain, which impacts their mental health, which can affect their job performance. This leads to increased difficulties at work, which exacerbates their mental health problems, and so forth.

Again, you can make a difference by doing something as simple as starting a conversation, if you know how.

Signs of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts 

Know the signs to look for in co-workers who may be struggling.

• They eat too much or cannot eat.
• They sleep too much or cannot sleep.
• They have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, so they are often late for work or training. (However, they may rally in the afternoon like they are a different person.)
• They let their personal hygiene go—clothes may be dirty, hair not so clean.
• They talk a great deal about death and dying.
• You notice them Googling death, dying or how to die by suicide.
• They are getting their affairs in order.
• They are giving away prized possessions.
• They have been depressed for a long time and are suddenly happy for no apparent reason (they may be happy because they have made a decision).

Suicide Prevention Resources for the Construction Industry

A Conversation Can Save A Life

Let’s start with what you don’t say to someone you believe is depressed, or who has told you they are depressed. You don’t want to tell them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps or to “turn that frown upside down.” Trite suggestions like taking fish oil aren’t going to help your co-worker.

What You Do Say:

• I’m here for you and I mean it.
• I know that you’re not lazy, crazy or self-absorbed.
• I know that depression is mental illness.
• I know that with time and treatment things will get better.
• I will take the time; I will help you get the treatment.

And you must ask them, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”

Just like that. And if you cannot ask that question, find someone who can. If you cannot find anyone who can, call me, and I will ask them: (858) 405-5653. Use the 988 crisis help line.

There is an urban legend that you should never mention the word suicide in front of someone who is depressed, because it might give them the idea. In fact, the opposite is true. Speaking it out loud reduces the chance that they will die by suicide.

If you believe someone is suicidal or they have told you they are, don’t tell them they’re “just looking for attention.” You don’t say, “No one who talks about it ever does it.”

What You Do Say:

• Do you have a plan?
• What is your plan?
• (If the plan is detailed as to time, place, and method) Will you let me take you to a mental health facility for evaluation?

The question often arises, “When do you call the police?” If they are a danger to themselves or others, you must call the police. But know this: if the police find that they are actively suicidal or a danger to others, they will take them into custody and bring them before a judge, who will determine if they should receive a three-day, involuntary hold. If the judge decides they need this, then they will most likely spend 72 hours in a mental facility lockdown unit. And they are probably going to be mad at you, and un-friend you on Facebook.

But they will be alive to do that.

So, you can make a difference, you can save a life, and you can do it by doing something as simple as starting a conversation, if you know how. And now you know how.

Comedian Frank King, suicide prevention speaker, writer for The Tonight Show for 20 years. His speaking is informed by a lifetime of depression and suicidality. He turned that dark journey of the soul into 13 TEDx Talks, and sharing insights with corporations and associations. For a free consultation, visit https://tinyurl.com/39pps8su.