Construction industry CEOs kick off effort to prevent suicide among workers

A new construction industry CEO Advisory Council dedicated to addressing the issue of suicide in the construction industry recently took shape.

The council will guide an industry-wide effort to develop solutions targeting the high rate of suicide among construction workers. This initiative builds on a program launched earlier this year by Bechtel.

Backed by the largest financial pledge in history to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the initiative aims to develop new research-based programs and resources tailored to the construction industry. 

Led by a newly established Construction Initiatives team within AFSP, the initiative aims to reach 500,000 U.S. construction workers over the next five years through industry-specific programs and resources to increase awareness of mental health aid and suicide prevention.

Earlier this year, Bechtel launched a mental health first aid training program and implemented Mental Health Action Plans on all projects. Recently, nearly 15,000 employees across 50 projects and 11 countries participated in a stand-down and a minute of silence to address the issue.