CIASP IN THE NEWS
Podcasts
Episode 209: ‘Saving Lives in Construction’ with Sonya Bohman
In this appearance, Sonya Bohmann continues to champion the mission of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), bringing attention to the real mental health challenges facing construction workers and the responsibility the industry has to respond. Through thoughtful conversation and practical insight, she highlights the importance of reducing stigma, creating cultures of care, and recognizing that mental health is just as critical to jobsite safety as physical safety. Sonya emphasizes that meaningful change happens when leaders, coworkers, and organizations are willing to start the conversation and support one another with compassion and action. Her message reinforces that suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one person or one company alone, but a shared commitment across the industry. To hear the full conversation and learn more about the work being done to create safer, healthier construction workplaces, watch the full episode below.
Executive Director Sonya Bohmann Joins Spill the Ink Podcast for a Special Episode
Articles & Presentations
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed September 14–18, 2026, as Construction Suicide Prevention Week in Kansas , highlighting the importance of addressing mental health and suicide prevention within the construction industry. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) Division of Industrial Safety and Health, alongside industry and labor groups, remains committed to saving lives by promoting workplace safety, mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Read the full article here.
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed Sept. 14-18 as Construction Suicide Prevention Week throughout the state. The week highlights the importance of mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Read the full article.
Construction workers are five times more likely to die by suicide than from a jobsite injury, with as many as 50% of all construction workers experiencing a diagnosable mental health problem.
Construction industry faces one of the highest suicide rates, leaders say conversations change lives
MADISON (WKOW) — The construction industry faces the second-highest suicide rate among all industries, trailing only mining. Industry leaders are emphasizing the need for mental health conversations year-round, not just during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. Read More...
By Sonya Bohmann for Construction Business Outlook
OSHA’s Workplace Stress Employer Guidance offers practical tips and tools to help employers recognize, address, and reduce workplace stress. From fostering open conversations to building supportive workplace cultures, this resource reinforces the important connection between mental health, safety, and overall worker well-being.
Leading Through the Season's Hidden Pressures
A powerful and deeply personal story from The New York Times that explores the suicide of construction worker TJ Kimball and the broader mental health and substance use crisis affecting the construction industry. Through interviews with family, coworkers, and industry leaders, this article highlights the pressures many workers face and the urgent need for continued conversation, support, and prevention efforts.
Videos/Webinars
Board member, Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, on the Construction Suicide Prevention Webinar.
NY Building Trades Employer's Association Mental Health Video
This video from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) features CIASP board member Joe Xavier and other industry voices sharing candid perspectives on mental health and the importance of starting the conversation. Through personal insight and industry experience, the discussion highlights how mental health impacts workers, families, and jobsite safety, reinforcing the need for awareness, support, and a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up.
