While there have been strides in mental health awareness, AGC is committed to action in the area of mental well being for our construction workforce. The AGC of America Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force has developed and curated multiple resources and tools to support the continued work needed to address the overwhelming statistics of suicide and substance use disorder in our industry.Â
REsources
Information and Resources Specific to the Unique Challenges our Industry Faces
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
This course is offered through AGC of America.
The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates among all professions. AGCA collaborated with industry leaders and mental health professionals to develop an educational program to equip supervisors with the knowledge and skills to identify and support struggling workers, care for themselves, and become a catalyst for change within their organizations. This online, self-paced, five-module course is free for AGC members and $49 per person for non-members.
Module 1: Introduction to Mental Health & Suicide Prevention in Construction
This module will shed light on the current state of mental health, substance use, and suicide in the industry, why workers are at risk, and how supervisors are uniquely positioned to create a culture of awareness and support.
Module 2: Building a Psychologically Safe Work Culture
This module will explore how fostering an open, supportive work culture can improve mental well-being, teamwork, and overall job performance. Learn how to create an environment where workers feel safe to speak up, seek help, and support one another without fear of judgment.
Module 3: Identifying & Approaching Employees in Need
Recognizing when someone is struggling can be the first step in saving a life. This module will equip you with the skills to identify signs of mental distress and confidently approach employees who may need support. Learn how to start the conversation, offer help, and connect them with resources—because looking out for each other is just as important as the work we do.
Module 4: Leadership & Employee Engagement
Empathetic and compassionate leadership is essential to a mentally healthy and resilient workforce. This module will explore how leaders can foster a culture of openness, support, and promote proactive mental health strategies to reduce the risk of suicide. Learn practical ways to lead by example, encourage honest conversations, and create a workplace where every worker feels valued and supported.
Module 5: The Role of Human Resources in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Human Resources (HR) plays a critical role in shaping a work culture that prioritizes mental health and suicide prevention. This module will explore how HR can review/implement policies, provide resources, and foster an environment where employees feel safe seeking support. Learn practical strategies to break the stigma, promote well-being, and create a stronger, healthier workforce.
Protect What’s Under the Hard Hat
- Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
- BuildWell Health is a confidential, virtual program to help with stress management, depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide. It’s available at no charge to employees and their families when a company has a membership.Â
- Oregon-Columbia Chapter members receive an additional discount on top of the national discount.
- If you company is 15 employees or less, the chapter has a pilot program for you to participate in. Contact Viktoria Schulz for additional information.Â
- Click here for the BuildWell Health flyer in English.
- Click here for the BuildWell Health flyer in Spanish.Â
- 8-part Employer Best Practices Guide for Mental-Health Intervention in Construction
- Sample written safety program
- Toolbox talks
- PSA video series
- Artwork for coins, stickers, posters, and banners
- Network of professionals in the industry collaborating on preventative action
– Forums: An opportunity to learn and connect each quarter
– Task force and Ambassadors: A team of individuals ready to assist - Biannual Mental Health Workshops
- Mental Health & Suicide Prevention, AGCA website
- The Construction Working Minds program is an evidence-informed model that uses strategic partnerships and capacity-building in the workplace to leverage and sustain significant change for positive mental health and resiliency.
- Center for Construction Research and Training: CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training, is a nonprofit dedicated to reducing occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the construction industry. Check out the Suicide Prevention in Construction Hazard Alert.
- Forefront Suicide Prevention Center and the Washington State Construction Industry Suicide Prevention work group have provided a free 60-minute suicide prevention training. Click here to learn more.
- Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership’s Lines for Life, a non-profit dedicated to substance abuse and suicide prevention, partnered with the construction industry to form the Construction Suicide Prevention Project (CSPP).Â
- ConstructorCast: Contractors Care: An Industry of Support
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry. This episode features the co-chairs of AGCA’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force—Mandi Kime of AGC of Washington and Brandon Anderson of AGC of Missouri—on how they are leading the fight for an industry in crisis. They share why they are so passionate and how they are working to combat construction’s leading mental health difficulties and the stigma that accompanies them. Additional podcasts available. - Get Construction Talking
- OHSU Center for Supportive Leadership’s Workplace Mental Health Support Training for Managers  is an evidence-based program that teaches leaders supportive strategies that protect and promote positive mental health. It also helps managers recognize and respond to signs that an employee may be experiencing distress.
- National Safety Council (NSC) Mental Health calculator tool
- NSC Substance Use calculator tool
- University of Washington Suicide Prevention Training for the Construction Industry
Questions
Viktoria Schulz, Products/Services and Marketing Manager, Inclusion Council Liaison
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