STAND UP to Address Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
September 2024 is Suicide Prevention Month
With a suicide rate that is four times greater than the national average, the construction industry is facing a crisis. The industry faces unique challenges, including high stress, demanding work conditions, and a culture that often stigmatizes seeking help. Construction workers are at a heightened risk for suicide for a variety of reasons that can all be addressed – starting with changing the culture in the workplace by raising awareness and providing resources, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) is committed to breaking the silence, offering support, and fostering a safer, healthier environment for all workers. Together, we can build a foundation of hope and resilience.
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. To combat these statistics, contractors, unions, associations, industry service providers and project owners must work together to STAND up for suicide prevention. The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) has resources and tools to help construction firms address this growing issue.
The CIASP was stablished by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) in 2016 to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health issues, CIASP became a stand alone 501(c)(3) organization in 2018 to raise awareness about suicide prevention and provide resources and tools to create a zero suicide industry by uniting and supporting the construction community.
CIASP is dedicated to changing the statistics by educating and equipping organizations, industry service providers and construction professionals to STAND Up for suicide prevention and address it as a health and safety priority.
Now is the time for the industry to STAND up for suicide prevention and address it as a health and safety priority by creating safe cultures, providing training to identify and help those at risk, raising awareness about the suicide crisis in construction, normalizing conversations around suicide and mental health, and ultimately decreasing the risks associated with suicide in construction.
Contractors and organizations that take the STAND Pledge can access resources, Tool Box talks and other materials to take the first step towards addressing mental health and suicide in the industry.
To learn more, contractors can visit preventconstructionsuicide.com and sign the pledge to STAND Up for suicide prevention.
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