SPOTLIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH


Major New AGC of CA Initiative Spotlights Mental Health Issues in Construction


By Carol Eaton AGC of California recently


launched a major new initiative designed to shine a bright spotlight on the important topic of mental health, suicide prevention and substance use disorders in the construction industry. Strategically rolled out during


National Suicide Prevention Month in September, the initiative aims to increase awareness and build support for issues surrounding mental health and suicide prevention in an industry sector that has been particu- larly impacted by them. In fact, the construction industry ranks second among the industries or occupations with the highest death by suicide rates in the nation according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Te CDC also found in a 2020 study that men working in construction have a suicide rate four times higher than the general population. Te coronavirus pandemic has


amplified mental health issues throughout all business sectors and heightened the need for a coordinated, multi-pronged approach. AGC of California Safety & Health Director Brian Mello, who championed the


rollout of the new initiative that was driven by the AGC Safety & Health Council, pointed out that it aligns closely with the association’s organiza- tional mission and values. “Tis initiative ties directly back


into AGC’s mission, which says that we believe the construction industry is vital to the success of California and together our members actively create opportunities to build and strengthen our state. We are passionate about shaping policy, improving industry relationships and developing our workforce,” he commented. “Tis is just another aspect of what we are able to do to strengthen this state, strengthen the construction industry as a whole and improve the lives of those in construction.” Te initial focus will be to provide


guidance and resources as well as free AGC WebEds on suicide prevention and recovery from substance use disorders, all in an effort to increase awareness around this important topic. “We’re looking at bringing in different speakers with different perspectives, to see how we can elevate our education portion of this initiative through the coming months,” Mello added. WebEds will also be tied into


various nationally designated mental health awareness months throughout


the year. Tese include October, which is mental illness awareness month; March, self-injury awareness month; April, alcohol awareness month; May, promoting mental health month; and July, mental health awareness in the minority workforce month. AGC began to promote the topic


of suicide prevention in construction well before the formal initiative launch, hosting two AGC webinars in spring of 2021 led by national expert Cal Beyer, vice president of Workforce Risk and Worker Wellbeing for CSDZ, a Holmes Murphy Company. Beyer, who has over 30 years of safety, insurance, and risk management experience, offered a “500-foot overview” on suicide prevention and how and when to talk to workers about it during his webinars that focused on creating a culture of caring. To further strengthen its support


for mental health related issues, this September AGC partnered with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention as a stakeholder, supporting the 501-C3 in its efforts to raise industry awareness. Te partnership connects AGC members with the Alliance’s large resource database that includes toolbox talks on mental health that can be used on jobsites, educational resources, and


16 November/December 2021


California Constructor


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