ABC was one of 17 member organizations of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention that met recently in Washington, D.C., to collaborate on how to equip companies to better address mental health issues and reduce the risk of suicide in the construction industry. Members of the Alliance, which was classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity this summer, formed governance, fundraising, education and marketing task forces during a strategic planning session during National Suicide Prevention Month.

“Our industry’s steadfast commitment to safety needs to extend beyond our jobsites to ensure that workers struggling with mental health issues get the help they need,” said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, who attended the meeting.  “We are proud to be part of the Alliance to draw attention to the national issue of suicide risk and help increase access to mental health across the construction industry.”

The construction and extraction industry had the second-highest suicide rate at 53.3 out of 100,000 workers and the highest total number of suicides by industry, according to a 2016 report from the Centers for Disease Control. 

Since the report was released, the construction community has taken important steps to provide and disseminate information and resources for suicide prevention and promotion of mental health in construction. ABC also encourages member companies to include employee mental health in their safety programs.

Founded two years ago by the Construction Financial Management Association, the Alliance now counts more than 75 member organizations united in their dedication to reducing suicide risk across the construction industry. For more information or to join, visit the Alliance’s website.