Suicide Prevention in Construction

Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in the United States. Far more construction workers die by suicide each year than from falls and all other jobsite incidents combined. Suicide is preventable, and coworkers are often the first to notice that something is wrong.

• Construction
• All workers
• Supervisors

Why construction workers are at risk

No single thing causes suicide, but many common parts of construction work can add up:

• A culture of toughness that discourages talking about stress, pain or mental health
• Chronic pain and injuries, and the opioid painkillers sometimes prescribed for them
• Seasonal and project-based work that brings layoffs and money worries
• Long hours, travel and time away from family
• Heavy drinking and drug use, which are more common in the industry
• Fatigue and poor sleep from early starts and long shifts
• Easy access to lethal means, including firearms and medications
• Relationship problems, legal trouble or the loss of someone close

Warning signs

Watch for changes in a coworker’s behavior, especially several signs at once or signs that appear after a loss or crisis:

How to help a coworker

1. Ask directly. “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Asking does not put the idea in someone’s head. It shows you care and gives them permission to talk.
2. Listen without judging. Let them talk. Don’t argue, lecture or promise to keep it secret.
3. Help keep them safe. If they have a plan or the means (a gun, pills), ask if they’ll let someone hold on to those things for a while. Don’t leave them alone if they’re in immediate danger.
4. Connect them to help. Call or text 988 together, or help them reach your employee assistance program (EAP), a doctor, a counselor, a pastor, or family.
5. Follow up. Check in over the next days and weeks. A short text or a “how are you holding up?” matters.

What to say

• “I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately. What’s going on?”
• “Are you thinking about ending your life?”
• “I’m glad you told me. You don’t have to go through this alone.”
• “Let’s call 988 together right now.”

• “You have so much to live for.” (It can make people feel misunderstood.)
• “Suck it up” or “Man up.”
• Promising to keep it secret.
• Trying to handle it all alone. Bring in help.

If you’re struggling

Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless or trapped is not a weakness, and you don’t have to wait for a crisis to reach out. Talk to someone you trust, call or text 988, contact your EAP (it’s confidential and usually free), or talk with your doctor. Many people who have been where you are now say getting help was the turning point. Depression, anxiety and substance use problems are treatable.

What employers and supervisors can do

• Talk about it openly in toolbox talks and safety meetings. Treat mental health as part of safety.
• Train supervisors and crew leaders to recognize warning signs and start the conversation.
• Make help easy to find: post 988 and EAP information in trailers, break areas and on hard hat stickers.
• Reduce stigma: share recovery stories, and make sure asking for help won’t cost anyone their job.
• Look at work conditions: excessive hours, fatigue, job insecurity, and how injuries and pain are managed.
• Join industry efforts such as Construction Suicide Prevention Week and safety stand-downs.
• Plan for a loss: know how you’ll support the crew if a coworker dies by suicide.

Firearms, medications and safety

Suicidal crises are often short. Putting time and distance between a person in crisis and lethal means saves lives. Options include storing firearms with a trusted friend or at a gun shop or range for a while, locking guns and ammunition separately, and getting rid of old or extra medications. See Childproofing & Safe Storage.

Last updated: October 1, 2026