This is a guest post by Chris LaLevee.
The high number of suicides in the construction industry has been talked about a lot in recent years. That attention is working. With awareness, prevention, and education efforts spreading across the industry, recent data shows the numbers have started to come down, roughly a 1.7% drop.
That is great news. It also raises a question worth sitting with: would the numbers drop faster if more companies participated?
What Does Participation Look Like?
When you break it down, the answer is simple. It is not that hard, and it is not that expensive.
There are great organizations offering free resources right now. Toolbox talks. Reading materials. Job site posters. Trainings. Everything you need to run a real prevention effort on your project is already built and available at no cost. The full list is at the bottom of this article.
The other part of participation costs nothing at all. It is awareness. Know your workforce. Notice when something seems off. Then ask the question: “Are you okay?”
Too often we notice something is wrong and say nothing, because we do not want to intrude in someone’s personal life. Asking is not intruding. Asking shows care. Listening openly is powerful.
Ask the Question Directly
The most effective approach is to ask direct, clear, non-judgmental questions. Do not beat around the bush. Use explicit phrasing:
- “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
- “Do you have a plan?”
Asking directly does not plant the idea. Research consistently shows it does the opposite. It offers relief and opens the door to help.
The question is real. The answer can be scary. This direct approach saves lives.
September Is Suicide Prevention Month
As September arrives, take note of two dates:
Construction Suicide Prevention Week is September 14-18, 2026. This is the industry’s dedicated week for awareness, conversations, and stand-down events on job sites across the country.
The nationwide stand-down is Monday, September 14. Companies across the country will pause for one minute of silence to honor lives lost to suicide. Find the stand-down details at constructionsuicideprevention.com, take a minute on your job, and take part.
Look at the resources below and do something to raise awareness across your jobs and your company. The cost is low for such a high return. The more of us that participate, the faster the numbers go down.
Free Resources
AFSP Hard Hat Courage: Construction-specific suicide prevention training and materials from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Construction Suicide Prevention Week: Stand-down guides, toolbox talks, posters, and event registration for the week of September 14-18.
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP): Resources and support for suicide prevention, mental wellness, and safety in construction.
Protecting Under the Hard Hat: Mental health and wellbeing resources built for the construction workforce.
Wellbeing in Construction, a SkillSignal resource: SkillSignal’s own hub for mental health and wellbeing in construction, free to the industry.
These resources are also available directly in the SkillSignal app, so your crews can access them right from the job site.
If you or someone on your crew is in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
