CONSTRUCTION SAFETY INCLUDES SUICIDE PREVENTION

By: Warren Frey

The construction industry is starting to look at a hidden problem with deadly consequences.

 Donna Grant, a marketing manager at Scott Construction, addressed the issue of suicide for attendees of the British Columbia Construction Safety Alliance’s (BCCSA) Bridging the Gap safety conference on Oct. 26 in Vancouver.

Grant said suicide is the second leading cause of death in the construction industry in men aged 25 to 59, and the highest rates are men from 40 to 59. 

“But the good news is that everyone in this room is in a position to change that,” Grant said.

She emphasized that suicide is preventable and despite social stigma “it’s OK to talk about suicide. Asking doesn’t provoke the act, it can in fact reduce anxiety and help people feel understood.

“If you reach out to someone with suicidal thoughts, you may be their one lifeline,” Grant said.

The nature of the construction industry at present also contributes to a culture that is uncomfortable with dealing with suicide and other mental illness issues, Grant said.  Read more...