LANSING, Mich.— The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's (LEO) Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) wrapped up Construction Suicide Prevention Week with a number of impactful events aimed at addressing the mental health crisis in the construction industry.
Partnering with Michigan-based construction companies like CSM Group and Clark Construction, MIOSHA spread awareness on the critical issue of mental health to hundreds of skilled trade workers.
In Michigan, 175 construction workers died by suicide in Michigan in 2022, a suicide rate of 67.8 per 100,000, according to 2024 Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Annual Report. Construction workers are over 12 times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace hazard, highlighting the need for increased mental health interventions within this predominantly male industry.
“We encourage employers and employees alike to confront this critical issue impacting the construction industry by implementing the necessary tools to create happier, stronger workplaces," said LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan, who leads the state’s workplace mental health workgroup.
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman delivered remarks to around 300 constriction trade workers during a MIOSHA/Clark Construction suicide awareness event at the site Gun Lake Casino expansion site in Wayland on Sept. 13, 2024
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman, along with LEO Deputy Director Sean Egan spoke to around 300 tradespeople involved with Gun Lake Casino's $300-million expansion project during a Construction Suicide Prevention event on September 13.
"Suicide is one of the construction industry's worst kept secrets, and it's killing people," MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. "MIOSHA is committed to working with Michigan construction companies and their employees to strengthen their workplace safety and health and help create work environments that better support employee mental health."
Both leaders highlighted the high number of suicides in the industry and underscored the need for targeted mental health interventions within this predominantly male industry.
Joining in efforts to increase mental health awareness is Lansing-based Clark Construction, the construction manager for the Gun Lake Casino’s current expansion project that will bring a hotel and resort to the property.
"Clark Construction is dedicated to raising awareness about the unique challenges construction workers face that lead to suicide and what we can do to prevent it. Together, we can save lives," said Dale Ave-Lallemant, Clark Construction Company safety director.
Ferris State University Professor Mark Dyke spoke about suicide awareness to construction workers during a MIOSHA/CSM Group suicide awareness event in Kalamazoo on Sept. 11, 2024
In addition to the September 13 event, MIOSHA partnered with CSM Group for suicide awareness event at the Kalamazoo Country Club project, a MIOSHA Construction Partnership site.
"At CSM Group, mental health is as important as physical safety on the job site. We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and heard," said Stuart Mason, chief executive officer of CSM Group, “Partnering with MIOSHA allows us to shine a light on this critical issue, ensuring that our workforce has access to the resources and support they need. Together, we can take proactive steps to protect the well-being of our employees, both mentally and physically.”
Nearly 150 construction trade workers attended the MIOSHA/CSM Group suicide awareness event. Speakers included MIOSHA Senior Construction Safety Consultant James Getting and Ferris State University Professor Mark Dyke, who has over 20 years as experience both in the construction industry and as a licensed mental health therapist. “It's about raising awareness and starting conversations. If we ignore it, it stays in the shadows. We need to change something or we’ll continue to face the same challenges,” Dyke said. Investing in mental health and safety is critical to build strong workplaces, a strong workforce and strong communities. To learn more about LEO’s Workplace Mental Health efforts and resources, visit www.michigan.gov/WorkplaceMentalHealth. |
Additional Resources
- Participate in Construction Suicide Prevention Week: Access videos, toolbox talks, and other resources at ConstructionSuicidePrevention.com.
- Learn more about OSHA resources on preventing suicides in the construction industry.
- 988 Lifeline: If you’re struggling with work-related stress, reach out for help. Call or text the 988 Lifeline Chat and Text, or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
