Calhoun County, AL – The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama (ABC) is raising awareness about the growing mental health crisis within the construction industry and informing its members about available mental health resources. The organization is dedicated to addressing the high rates of suicide among construction workers and helping to create a more supportive environment for those struggling.
Jay Reed, President of ABC Alabama, emphasized the urgency of the issue: “Members of the construction industry are struggling with mental health at much higher rates than the general public. Our industry is facing a serious mental health crisis, and that is why we are committed to raising awareness and must make sure that industry members know there are resources available to them if they need a helping hand.”
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the construction industry ranks as the top industry for deaths by suicide. The heightened risk is attributed to various factors, including stress, long hours, and a work culture that has traditionally overlooked mental health. ABC and other industry leaders are working to shift that culture by promoting awareness and providing access to essential mental health services.
Frank Wampol, Corporate Vice President of Safety & Health at B.L. Harbert International, echoed these concerns: “Public health data in the USA reveals the construction industry faces a devastating crisis. We suffer five times the number of construction-industry suicides each year versus traditional work-related fatalities. Our industry relies on its workforce to build the world around us, so it’s imperative that we view safety and health in a broader context, one that includes mental health. By working together to break the stigma, we can make mental health support an integral value of our safety culture in construction.”
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, ABC Alabama offers a range of resources to both workers and employers. These include free suicide prevention training, access to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and educational programs such as toolbox talks and in-person or online seminars. The goal is to equip industry members with the tools to recognize and address mental health challenges.
Construction workers and employers can access immediate support by calling 988 or texting “HELLO” to 741741 to connect with mental health professionals. Additional resources can be found at preventconstructionsuicide.com, a website dedicated to preventing suicide in the industry.
The construction industry is a critical part of Alabama’s economy, employing 200,000 people and contributing 5% of the state’s economic output. ABC Alabama remains committed to advocating for both the industry and its workers, ensuring that mental health becomes an integral part of workplace safety.
