Each September, in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, the construction industry designates a week to promote awareness of the specific challenges encountered by its workforce that contribute to suicide risk, as well as to highlight measures for prevention. During the month, LP1 site staff designed and localized a month-long campaign to provide workers information and tools about mental health and well-being. Our thanks to Lebanon Witham Health Services for supporting these efforts.
In the construction industry, mental health awareness and suicide prevention are important job safety issues. High-pressure deadlines, long and irregular hours, and frequent travel can lead to
isolation among workers.
While the factors that lead to suicide are complex, research shows that loneliness could put someone at a greater risk for suicidal behavior, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs via a paper published in 2022. Initiatives like this sitewide campaign aim to reduce stigma and promote dialogue about mental health.
The LP1 site campaign included a partnership with Lebanon’s Witham Health Services. Wellness professionals joined construction staff at all-hands meetings to share the importance of self-care,
sleep and work-life balance as it relates to their daily work. To reinforce the messages, site staff used daily toolbox talks and bring awareness to the 988 Suicide Lifeline.
Site staff were invited to sign a pledge to Stand Up for suicide prevention. The campaign prioritized normalizing conversations around suicide and mental health to ultimately decrease the
risks associated with suicide in construction.
