Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry: Know the Signs and Help a Life

Sep 13, 2023

Featuring NASCAR driver Daniel Dye’s race team and the Race to Stop Suicide for a conversation about real issues & ways to spot signs of depression or feelings of hopelessness in colleagues, employees, and loved ones!

Studies show that suicide is killing workers in the construction industry at five times the rate of work-related injuries like falls and struck-by incidents. And it’s killing them in all parts of the industry – including upper management. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to why this is happening nor is there an easy fix, but in many cases deaths from suicide CAN be prevented when we push mental health stigma aside and help one another. We will be joined on this webinar by a representative from NASCAR driver Daniel Dye’s race team and the Race to Stop Suicide for a conversation about real issues affecting us every day and ways to spot signs of depression or feelings of hopelessness in colleagues, employees, and loved ones. In addition, our panelists will share their own experiences with mental health, engaging in suicide prevention activities in the workplace, and breaking down barriers in an industry that does not always welcome conversations about feelings. Employers and other attendees will walk away with ideas to help reduce stigma and save lives and will learn more about mental health resources for the construction industry.

PDF of the Slides 

List of Additional Resources 

Moderator

Chris Trahan Cain, CIH, Executive Director, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training

Panelists

Raffi F. Elchemmas, Executive Director, Safety, Health and Risk Management, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA)

Alexander M. Kopp, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)

Randy Dye, Chairman, Race to Stop Suicide Kevin Striegle, Manager, Daniel Dye Racing & Race to Stop Suicide

Justin Crandol, MS, CSP, ARM, CRIS, Director of Safety, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA)

Wesley L. Wheeler, SMS, CESCP, Executive Director of Safety, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Board Member, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)

Justin Azbill, Director, National Environment, Health, and Safety, Milwaukee Tool. Board Member, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP)