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CONEXPO supports suicide prevention during Mental Health Awareness Month

CONEXPO-CON/AGG announced its backing of construction professionals during Mental Health Awareness Month with a $5,000 donation to the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), directing money to its construction mental health support efforts.

“In the construction industry, there are roughly a dozen deaths by suicide on a daily basis,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff. “Between the mental health-focused education content at the show, the articles on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG website, and now this donation, we are always looking for ways to address mental health issues in the construction industry and help more people find their recovery.”

Those articles from CONEXPO-CON/AGG include:

• Breaking Down the Stigma: Prioritizing Mental Health in Construction
• Coping with Stress on the Jobsite
• Take A STAND: Addressing Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry
• Addressing Mental Health in Construction
• How to Reduce Stress in Construction
• Construction is Stressful: Here’s How to Manage Stress with Your Crew
• VIDEO: Construction Workers Share their Struggles with Mental Health to Combat Suicide
• 128 Managing the Stress of Construction with Ryan Priestly
• The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Construction
• Tips for How to Support Your Employees’ Mental Health
• 7 Step Guide to Improving Mental Health in Construction

The suicide rate in the construction industry is four times higher than the national average (and the overall national suicide rate is trending back toward record highs). CONEXPO-CON/AGG recognizes the need for suicide prevention preparedness, to keep this vital workforce building a better world.

According to Kim MacDonald, CEO of 13 Factors for Business Growth and presenter on mental health in the construction industry at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, we need to look at the risk factors and hazards that exist in the work itself and address where possible, mitigate those risks.

“You don’t have to boil the ocean, you can find some minor changes that make a big impact,” said Kim. “Be the person who starts using the language daily. Be explicit and ask the question of what caused you the greatest stress today and start a discussion about it.”

For those who would like to contribute to CIASP and help prevent suicide in the construction industry, click here.