It’s an unfortunate fact that construction workers have higher rates of death by suicide or overdose than American workers overall. Although construction makes up only about 8% of the total U.S. workforce, our industry accounts for roughly 17% of all overdose deaths and nearly 18% of suicide deaths among working populations. In 2023 alone, there were 982 fatal work injuries among construction workers — compared to 15,910 fatal overdoses and 5,095 deaths by suicide.
But there’s reason for hope. Recent data shows these numbers are beginning to level off, which tells us that awareness, training, and honest conversations are making a difference.
Below are some free resources if you or someone you know is struggling:
📞 Call or Text 988
No judgment. Just help. Call or text 988 any time, day or night, for free and confidential support. You don’t have to be in crisis to call — 988 is there for hard days, too.
📋 Center for Construction Research and Training Newsletter
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) helps publish REASON— Resources and Effective programs Addressing Suicides and Opioids Now — a free quarterly newsletter with peer-support programs, training resources, and real recovery stories from construction workers. Sign up or read past issues at cpwr.com. CPWR also offers free toolbox talks, hazard alert cards, and a full “Building Resilience” training program your crew leads can bring straight to the jobsite
📚 Sources
- CPWR – Mental Health & Addiction Resources
- CPWR – Resources to Prevent Suicide Deaths in Construction
- CPWR REASON Newsletter sign-up
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Please be well, and let’s look out for each other.
