Building a Stronger Future: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategies for Steel Contractors8/19/2024
 According to the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), workers in the steel construction sector are at a higher risk for mental health concerns and suicide compared to other construction trades. Of the 11 construction occupations cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, structural iron and steel workers are #1 and reinforcing iron and rebar workers are #2 for highest rates of suicide. The high-stress environments, physically demanding tasks, and stringent deadlines, coupled with the sometimes-isolated nature of the work, can contribute to mental health struggles among the steel industry. Additionally, the culture within the industry can sometimes stigmatize mental health issues, making it challenging for workers to seek help. Construction Suicide Prevention Week is September 9-13. The initiative aims to raise awareness, educate, and promote mental health and suicide prevention across the construction industry. Participating in events and activities during this week can help reinforce the importance of mental health and provide workers with valuable resources and support. Recognizing the Signs
Early recognition of mental health struggles is vital for effective intervention. Workers, supervisors, and peers should be trained to identify signs of mental distress. Some common indicators include:
Best Practices for Mental Health Support If you notice a colleague struggling with their mental health, it is crucial to take immediate and compassionate action. Approach the individual privately and express your concern, using “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory (e.g., “I’ve noticed you seem down lately, and I’m worried about you”). Give the person your full attention and listen actively without judgment, allowing them to share their feelings and experiences. Suggest they seek professional support and offer to help them find resources, providing information about available mental health services and support networks. Additionally, check in with the person regularly to show your continued support and concern. Providing regular training sessions on mental health awareness and suicide prevention can provide workers with the knowledge to recognize and respond to mental health issues. Resources such as those from the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) offer invaluable training materials and guidelines. Additionally, fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental well-being by encouraging open conversations about mental health, providing opportunities for stress-relief activities, and promoting work-life balance can significantly reduce the incidence of mental health issues among workers. Establishing peer support programs where workers can confidentially discuss their issues with trained colleagues can create a network of support and reduce feelings of isolation. According to the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, peer support programs can reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors by providing a sense of community and belonging. Lastly, having a clear plan in place for crisis situations, including knowing the steps to take if someone is in immediate danger, such as contacting emergency services and providing support until help arrives, is crucial. As SEAA was made aware of the staggering statistics surrounding mental health and suicide rates in the industry, the association’s Board of Directors made the decision to join other industry stakeholders to provide education and resources for our members through the launch of its Stand Up for Mental Health resources page. The public webpage features construction-focused resources and training materials for anyone in the steel industry. By recognizing the signs of mental distress and implementing best practices for support, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all workers. Resources: Construction Suicide Prevention Week and National Stand-Down SEAA’s Stand Up for Mental Health Resources Suicide Prevention Resources from The Center for Construction Research and Training Prevention and Intervention Resources from the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention Connector: The Role of Mental Health Support in Return to Work Programs This Safety Flash was written in cooperation with SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. It’s designed to keep members informed about ongoing safety issues and to provide suggestions for reducing risk. Best practices are gathered from a variety of sources. They may be more or less stringent than individual corporate policies and are not intended to be an official recommendation from SEAA. Always get approval and direction from your company officers on any new practice or procedure as these best practices may not work for all situations. Everyone benefits when a worker avoids injury. Submit your ideas for Safety Flash to [email protected]. Comments are closed.
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