A career in construction is one that can be extremely rewarding, as the building process allows workers to see concepts brought to fruition while having an impact on the community. However, the field can also be challenging. Like many jobs that involve physical labor, construction firms focus on safety and protecting their team members from physical injuries. Now, more companies like Rockford are taking steps to help construction workers with their mental health as well.
Like many industries that are typically male-dominated, the construction field has one of the highest rates of suicide compared to other industries. Experts attribute this in part to the culture of the construction industry and the demographics of our workforce. When it comes to culture, the “tough guy” or “macho” stereotype of construction workers can serve as a deterrent to those most at risk of suicide from seeking assistance. Demographically, 97 percent of the U.S. construction workforce is male. Men, especially white men between their early 20s through their 50s, account for most industry suicides.
Mental health awareness is critical in a high-hazard industry, as workers with mental health conditions are twice as likely to be distracted while on a job site. Unfortunately, experts have found that roughly 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue, calling mental health a crisis in the industry. Providing support to team members through resources for mental health is critically important in lowering that statistic.
Assistant Project Manager Kala Slater was not aware of the high rate at which construction workers die by suicide when she first joined the industry. “I was shocked,” said Slater, having known that men die by suicide more often than women, but not translating this to the construction industry. It wasn’t until later in her college career when professors would speak on mental health awareness that she learned this statistic and, even then, she didn’t fully comprehend the extent. While college prepared her for the implications within the industry, nothing could have prepared her for what was to come next.
Shortly after she joined Rockford, Slater’s soon-to-be brother-in-law, Brady, took his life. A seemingly happy person, Brady was an athlete, reliable family member and friend, devout Christian and a leader both on and off the field; his suicide came as a surprise to Slater and all who knew him. While Brady was an advocate for mental health, helping so many others with their battles, his own struggle was concealed.
During what has been one of the most difficult times in her life, Slater said she has had so many individuals from the Rockford community reach out to her to share stories, check in and ensure she knows what resources are available. “This really speaks on the integrity of our company and that help is here,” Slater said, “and we need to normalize asking for it.”
When there is a safe, understanding and open space both in the office and in the field, workers feel more comfortable opening up about their mental health struggles and seeking help. “I couldn’t be more grateful to work for a company who I believe will truly make a difference when it comes to mental health in construction,” Slater said, acknowledging the support and resources available for team member well-being.
Through the Rockford benefits program, team members have access to a free Employee Assistance Program which offers counseling sessions, referrals and information for different work/life issues, self-service resources and unlimited telephone support. These resources are communicated at all levels including during each weekly safety toolbox meeting, the ROCK.SOLID.START daily huddle program, and posters found throughout all offices and projects. “This says so much about our company,” Slater said, finding help herself in these resources.
While Slater and her family are still adjusting to their new reality, they have been working hard to ensure no other family experiences this kind of loss. To raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention, and to help others, her family has founded The B4 Foundation in Brady’s memory and honor.
“So many of us have stories,” Slater said, and while construction workers are at a higher risk for suicide, each battle looks different from the next person. Slater urges learning the warning signs of mental health struggles and being an advocate for a safe and open community. “Please check in on those around you; no one truly knows what any other individual may be going through.”
For more on Brady’s story or for more information on mental health, please visit www.theb4foundation.org. For help, please call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
