Cornett's Corner

Researcher Puts Spotlight on Suicide Rates Among Construction Workers

Researcher Puts Spotlight on Suicide Rates Among Construction Workers: Safety + Health Magazine
July 23, 2024 No Comments

Click here for the full article on this important topic from Safety + Health Magazine.

Blacksburg, VA — Construction employers can help stem the industry’s elevated suicide rates by enhancing their crisis management skills via training, as well as providing flexible leave policies and counseling.

Brian Kleiner, head of the Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction, offers that view in a recent article exploring the importance of mental health in construction.

Physical strain, cultural expectations, opioid abuse and demographics are among the characteristics that contribute to suicide in construction, Kleiner explains. This can create a potential “domino effect” between a worker’s physical and mental health.

“Construction safety, health and well-being are like a three-legged stool,” Kleiner says in the article. “If one leg is weak, the entire stool is unstable. Also, safety, health and well-being are not mutually exclusive. For example, a worker with mental health issues may take more safety risks because they are distracted or more focused on mental issues and less able to pay attention to physical labor.”

Understanding early warning signs can keep mental health issues from escalating, Kleiner adds.

OSHA advises employers to be aware of changes in workers’ behavior and mood, as well as what they discuss. If you’re concerned, ask to speak with the worker privately. Listen without judgment before encouraging the worker to contact the organization’s employee assistance program and/or human resources department, or a mental health professional.

“The first line of defense is to talk about it,” Kleiner said, “and that’s a real challenge.”

Heidi

Share
Published by
Heidi

Recent Posts

Today’s Quote

“I could only achieve success in my life through self-discipline, and I applied it until…

4 days ago

Alabama Mine Expansion

Alabama Mine Expansion Could Test Biden Policy on Private Extraction of Publicly Owned Coal Click…

2 weeks ago

Former Utah Coal Town

A former Utah coal town could soon become a hub for low-carbon cement Siga by…

2 weeks ago

3 Rules for Life

Lou Holtz’s 3 Rules of Life Rule #1 – Do right! “Just do the right…

2 weeks ago

Today’s Quote

“In the end, the money and success that truly last come not to those who…

2 weeks ago

Safety Health Talks

Safety Health Talks- Winter Walking Click here for the pdf of this important health talk…

3 weeks ago

This website uses cookies.