MENTAL HEALTH
Have the Talk, Save a Life
When you think of the biggest
risks on your worksite,
what comes to mind?
Most people think about accidents, hazards or
safety procedures not being followed. They’re
often surprised to learn that the biggest danger
to construction workers is suicide.
On average, accidental death rates in the
Canadian construction industry are around
14.8 per 100,000 people, whereas suicide death
rates for construction workers are 53.2 per
100,000. Both numbers are too high – but the
suicide rate is nearly four times higher. In fact,
construction has some of the highest suicides
of all sectors, and analysts have worked hard to
figure out why. Their conclusions? Demanding
tasks, inconsistent work and a culture that encourages
people to try and “tough it out” are all
contributing factors. The recent stoppages with
COVID-19 will only exacerbate these factors.
While we may not be able to impact these
factors, we can take significant measures to keep
construction workers safe and alive. How? Well,
the good news is that the majority of suicides
can be prevented, and the even better news is
that you don’t need to be a mental health professional
to help save someone’s life. When it
comes to suicidal ideation, knowing the signs
and symptoms, knowing how to talk to someone
if you notice something is wrong and how
to connect them to support can make a difference
and save someone from suicide.
Learning
how to have
difficult
conversations
can be a
lifesaving skill
By Owen Stockden, LivingWorks
LIGHTFIELDSTUDIOS/123RF
thinkbigmagazine.ca | Quarter 2 2020 | Think BIG 29
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