In response to an alarmingly high number of suicides among construction workers, Michigan’s construction leaders have taken measures to tackle mental health and provide support for the workforce.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports in 2022, the industry saw 6,000 worker suicides, compared to 1,000 construction-related deaths in the workplace. People in construction trades can face job and financial insecurities, long hours, and difficult working conditions.
Sean Egan, with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, says one of the things they’re doing to help workers handle the stress is making it okay, to not be okay.
“We know that construction is a male-dominated industry and that statistically men, specifically men of color — but men in general — are not likely to seek support,” Egan said. “So we have to make it okay to seek that support.”
Egan says his department has implemented mental health-related programs and events for Michigan construction workers, including seminars for Construction Suicide Prevention Week, September 9 through the 13.
