Slips, trips and falls from heights often top the list when safety issues on construction jobsites are discussed – and rightly so – but the mental health of workers is another less visible threat that’s just as important.
“Construction work is noble, and every person in the industry matters and is worthy of resources and investment,” says Greg Sizemore, vice-president of health, safety, environment and workforce development at ABC. “Every suicide is preventable, and we have the ability to reduce suicide in our industry.
Through the partnership, ABC will provide construction workers and employers with educational resources on mental health and suicide prevention, including the Suicide Prevention Lifeline call centre, the Crisis Text Line, toolbox talks and speakers who can provide in-person, recorded and online education on suicide awareness and prevention. ABC will also participate in key events where the issue is addressed.
“But there is much more work to be done,” says Sizemore. “We all recognize the impact on our current and future workforce needs, so I believe there is an urgency to do the work and get the information out that could potentially save someone’s life or the life of a loved one.”