The construction industry is facing an unprecedented crisis with construction workers dying by suicide, and this tragedy requires our attention. Data show that the construction industry had the second-highest rate of worker suicide, behind only mining.
Four factors show a population uniquely vulnerable:
• Construction workers are aging.
• Men — who make up nearly 85% of this workforce — are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
• Construction is a natural career choice for veterans, who have valuable and transferable skills — and veterans’ suicide rate is 57% higher than the general population.
• Younger construction workers are inundated by the influences and pressures of social media, which can affect self awareness and increase peer pressure.
Ending this national tr