KNOW THE FACTS
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS BEFORE A CRISIS
Suicide prevention begins long before someone is in crisis. While reducing suicide remains a critical goal, it’s equally important to recognize the mental health challenges that many construction workers face every day. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, substance use, and social isolation all exist on the same continuum of mental health and can affect a person’s well-being, relationships, job performance, and safety long before a crisis occurs.
The data below shows that significant numbers of construction workers report symptoms of anxiety and depression each year. These findings remind us that supporting mental health isn’t just about responding to a crisis. It’s about creating workplaces where people feel supported, conversations are encouraged, and help is available before someone reaches a breaking point.
When we prioritize mental wellness, we build stronger teams, safer jobsites, and a healthier construction industry for everyone.
WHY IS CONSTRUCTION THE MOST AT-RISK INDUSTRY FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION?
Construction remains one of the industries most affected by suicide, driven by a combination of workplace, cultural, and personal factors. While recent data shows encouraging progress, with suicide deaths among construction workers declining 1.7% from 2023 to 2024, thousands of lives are still lost each year.
Construction is a predominantly male-populated industry. The “tough it out” culture that has long defined many jobsites can make it difficult for workers to speak openly about mental health or ask for help when they need it. Men, particularly white men between their early 20s and 50s, continue to account for the majority of suicide deaths.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 97% of the U.S. construction workforce is male. Many construction professionals are also veterans who bring valuable leadership and mission-focused experience to the industry but may face an increased risk for suicide compared to the general population.
The nature of construction work can also contribute to increased risk. Frequent travel between jobsites, long or irregular hours, and time away from family can lead to isolation, disrupted sleep, and physical and mental exhaustion.
The encouraging decline in suicide deaths reminds us that prevention efforts are making a difference. Continued progress will require a sustained commitment to reducing workplace injuries, strengthening jobsite culture, addressing bullying, expanding access to mental health resources, and ensuring every worker knows that asking for help is a sign of strength.
