Suicide Rates High in the Construction Industry


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, the construction industry had the sec- ond-highest rate of suicide among its workers, surpassed only by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction workers. Fifty-six out of every 100,000 male construction workers died by suicide that year compared to 32 per 100,000 male workers in all industries. This rate was roughly four times the national average and almost six times the rate of all construction fatalities combined.


California Constructor: How do you think the industry’s response has been to this growing awareness surrounding mental health, and how important is it for companies like ISEC to lead the way by bringing the topic more into the forefront?


Mario Noriega: I think that we all in the construction world now, either personally or with some other person in our lives, know of someone who is going through (a mental health challenge). We’re not just looking at the fatal four (leading causes of construction acci- dents and deaths) for OSHA now – the struck by, caught-in or caught-between, fall hazards, and electrocutions; we’re adding this fifth one, which is suicide. I think that’s bringing it more to the forefront, because it’s real and sadly, it’s happening too often. So definitely, we would like to make a stand on this and try and break that stigma. Let’s talk about it; let’s open up.


California Constructor: Is there more that employers can do to really move the needle on this issue?


Mario Noriega: I think there is a change, but there is more that can be done, and that’s what is driving us to do this stand-down event. So instead of just doing the 15-minute tool box talk that we are required to have on weekly basis, why don’t we just say let’s stop for hour to hour and half and bring employees away from that work location, and let’s talk about this. Let’s make it a stance. And I think for (field workers) to see this, it’s going to make a big impact.


California Constructor: Would you have any advice for other companies, maybe smaller companies than ISEC that don’t have as many resources, as to how they can make a difference in their own companies?


Mario Noriega: Don’t be afraid to speak up and make some connections with dif- ferent organizations like AGC. I’ve been very fortunate to work with the AGC of California and Tresten [Keys] to pick his brain and be able to get ideas from him. We are also involved with AGC of America, where I’m part of a committee on mental health, and they have been providing a lot of resources, support, and ideas.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR MAY/JUNE 2025


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