In construction, we talk a lot about safety. We train for it, we plan for it and we measure it. But there’s one safety risk that too often goes unspoken – mental health.
It’s a difficult topic, but one we can’t afford to ignore. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. In 2022, roughly 1,000 construction workers lost their lives on the job, with OSHA’s “Fatal Four” hazards accounting for a significant share. Yet suicide claimed more than 5,000 construction workers that same year, nearly five times higher, and far less discussed. While most of those tragedies occurred off the jobsite, the impact is felt deeply across teams, families and communities.
I’ve worked in and around construction for over three decades. I started as a house framer while putting myself through college, later became a site safety manager and the leader of Nationwide’s Construction Risk Management team. I’ve seen the industry evolve in many ways, but one thing that hasn’t changed enough is how we talk about mental health.
Early in my career, a subcontractor I worked with died by suicide. That experience shook me and everyone on the crew. It was a stark reminder that behind every hard hat is a human being often carrying burdens we can’t see. That moment has stayed with me and it’s part of why I believe so strongly that suicide prevention must be part of our safety culture.
Understanding the Risk
Nationwide has partnered with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) to shine a light on the unique pressures construction workers face and the risk factors that contribute to mental health struggles. Construction is a high-stress, high-demand industry. Long hours, physical strain, job insecurity and a culture that often values toughness over vulnerability all contribute to elevated risks.
The workforce is also predominantly male – about 90% – and includes a significant number of veterans, both groups statistically at higher risk for suicide. As a Navy veteran, I know the transition to civilian life isn’t easy. In both military and construction settings, silence and stoicism are common, which can make it difficult for people to speak up when they’re struggling. Without those conversations, it’s harder to notice when someone needs support.
We also need to acknowledge the role of chronic pain and substance use. Injuries are common in construction, and pain management often involves prescription opioids. That can lead to dependency, which in turn can deepen feelings of depression and isolation.
Breaking the Silence
One of the most powerful things we can do is simply start the conversation. As leaders, we need to create environments where people feel safe – not just physically, but emotionally. That means training front-line supervisors to recognize the warning signs of mental distress, such as changes in behavior, absenteeism and performance issues, and to respond with empathy rather than discipline.
It’s easy for a foreman to see a worker struggling and assume it’s a motivation issue. But what if it’s something deeper? What if that worker is dealing with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts? We need to equip our teams to ask the right questions and offer support.
And we need to bust the myths that still surround suicide. Talking about it doesn’t plant the idea in someone’s head. Asking someone if they’re okay doesn’t make you weak. In fact, it might be the strongest thing you do all day.
Language Matters
How we talk about mental health matters. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still work to do. We need to move away from stigmatizing language – terms like “crazy” or “suicidal” – and toward compassionate, respectful dialogue. Just as we wouldn’t shame someone for having a heart condition, we shouldn’t shame someone for living with depression or seeking mental health treatment.
Organizations like CIASP are leading the way in this space. They offer free, industry-specific resources – from toolbox talks and podcasts to training modules – that help companies start these conversations and build a culture of care. Their Start Training platform is a great place to start for front-line managers.
Everyone Has a Role
This isn’t just an HR issue or a safety issue – it’s a leadership issue. It belongs in every part of the organization. Whether you’re a project manager, a foreman or a business leader, you have the power to influence the culture of your team. You don’t need a degree in psychology to listen, to care or to connect someone with help.
And help is available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a critical resource, and CIASP’s website – preventconstructionsuicide.com – offers a wealth of tools tailored to our industry.
Leading with Care
At Nationwide, our mission is to protect people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. That includes supporting the mental health and well-being of the industries we serve. We believe that safety isn’t just about preventing falls or wearing PPE – it’s about protecting the whole person.
That’s why we’re proud to host conversations like our “Safety as a Culture” roundtable series. These discussions aren’t always easy, but they’re necessary. When we talk openly about mental health, we reduce stigma. When we share stories, we build connections. When we lead with empathy, we save lives.
Safety Starts with Listening
The construction industry is built on strength, resilience and teamwork. But true strength includes the courage to be vulnerable. True leadership includes the willingness to listen. And true safety includes mental health.
Construction Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 8-12, is a great time to start the conversation, but it’s important to keep it going year-round to make sure every worker knows they’re not alone. Mental health awareness is an important puzzle piece in building a work culture where safety means more than just getting home in one piece – it means getting home whole.
