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
Multifamily Housing | Jun 21, 2022
Two birds, one solution: Can we solve urban last-mile distribution and housing challenges at the same time?
When it comes to the development of both multifamily housing and last-mile distribution centers, particularly in metropolitan environments, each presents its own series of challenges and hurdles. One solution: single-use structures.
Libraries | Jun 21, 2022
Kingston, Ontario, library branch renovation cuts energy use to 55% of benchmark
A recent renovation of the Kingston (Ontario) Frontenac Public Library Central Branch greatly boosted energy and water efficiency while making the facility healthier and safer.
Building Materials | Jun 20, 2022
Early-stage procurement: The next evolution of the construction supply chain
Austin Commercial’s Jason Earnhardt explains why supply chain issues for the construction industry are not going to go away and how developers and owners can get ahead of project roadblocks.
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 20, 2022
Is telehealth finally mainstream?
After more than a century of development, telehealth has become a standard alternative for many types of care.
Building Team | Jun 20, 2022
Andres Caballero Appointed President of Uponor North America
Uponor Corporation (Uponor) has named Andres Caballero president of its Building Solutions – North America division and a member of the Executive Committee at Uponor.
| Jun 20, 2022
An architectural view of school safety and security
With threats ranging from severe weather to active shooters, school leaders, designers, and security consultants face many challenges in creating safe environments that allow children to thrive.
School Construction | Jun 20, 2022
A charter high school breaks ground in L.A.’s Koreatown
A new charter school has broken ground in Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood.
Building Team | Jun 17, 2022
Data analytics in design and construction: from confusion to clarity and the data-driven future
Data helps virtual design and construction (VDC) teams predict project risks and navigate change, which is especially vital in today’s fluctuating construction environment.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jun 17, 2022
U. of Georgia football facility expansion provides three floors for high-performance training
A major expansion of the University of Georgia’s football training facility has been completed.
Building Team | Jun 16, 2022
Hybrid work expected to reduce office demand by 9%
Businesses are slowly but consistently transitioning to a permanent hybrid work environment, according to a senior economist at Econometric Advisors.
