After a two-year decline, the number of Americans who committed suicide rose to 47,646 in 2021, the latest year for which data was available. On-site construction workers are the second-highest at-risk occupational group for suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response to this concerning data, AEC firms and industry groups are stepping up their suicide prevention measures.
In late October 2022, the general contractor Balfour Beatty launched an innovative online tool for its employees and industry partners that provides streamlined access to potentially lifesaving mental health resources.
The company’s suicide prevention website, which is being displayed via QR code on jobsite signage across the U.S., offers easy access—in English and Spanish—to the newly rebranded 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and industry resources from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP).
The site was also designed to address the unique needs of individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Its supportive elements are mobile- and desktop-friendly, are easy to navigate with minimal actions needed to access resources, and are presented in a warm color palette that is meant to positively regulate a worker’s mental health response.
Balfour Beatty was unable at press time to provide how many visits its website had received since its launch.
Eric Yates, the firm’s Environmental Health and Safety Manager in the Carolinas, said the hotlines were getting the most attention, via the website, from Balfour Beatty’s field teams and trade partners.
Related Stories
| Mar 21, 2013
Turner report: Construction costs up slightly in first quarter
Turner Construction Company announced that the First Quarter 2013 Turner Building Cost Index – which measures costs in the non-residential building construction market in the United States – has increased to a value of 849. This reflects a 1.19% increase from the Fourth Quarter 2012 and a 3.41% increase from the First Quarter 2012.
| Mar 20, 2013
Architecture Billings Index up again in February
The American Institute of Architects reported the February ABI score was 54.9, up slightly from a mark of 54.2 in January. This score reflects a strong increase in demand for design services.
| Mar 15, 2013
Singapore R&D campus takes top honor in Lab of Year competition
Singapore CREATE R&D campus takes top honor in Lab of Year competition, sponsored by R&D Magazine.
| Mar 15, 2013
Ben Johanneman promoted to VP of operations for McCarthy Houston Office
The Texas Division of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., has promoted Ben Johanneman to vice president of operations for the Houston office. Johanneman is responsible for leading management and operations on projects. He will coordinate preconstruction strategy while also serving as the client interface.
| Mar 14, 2013
How to win more work from community colleges
The nation’s thousand-plus community college districts can be a steady source of income for your Building Team—provided you appreciate the special needs of this important sector of the higher education market.
| Mar 14, 2013
Shawmut Design and Construction promotes Randy Shelly to VP of Hospitality
Shawmut Design and Construction, located at 560 Harrison Avenue in Boston, has announced the promotion of Randy Shelly to Vice President of the company’s Hospitality Group. Shelly will replace veteran Paul Doherty, who has accepted a new position within Shawmut.
| Mar 13, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: jails, courthouses, police stations, and post offices
The March 2013 report from RSMeans offers construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets. Building types include: jails, courthouses, police stations, and post offices.
| Mar 12, 2013
'World's greenest' office building seeks tenants in Seattle
Superefficient Seattle office building is designed to meet the ambitious goals of the Living Building Challenge.