Tuesday marks World Suicide Prevention Day, highlighting a crucial issue within Colorado’s construction industry. This sector experiences nearly double the suicide rate compared to other workforces combined and four times the rate of the general population.
At a construction site for Pinkard Construction west of downtown Denver, workers are under significant pressure to complete a new affordable housing project. The industry’s tough culture often makes it challenging for workers to seek help.
“It’s very difficult to get construction workers to open up,” said Dave Ruddy, Field Safety Manager at Pinkard Construction. “The traditional cowboy mentality is still strong in Colorado’s construction industry.”
Despite a strong focus on physical safety, Ruddy was surprised by recent data. The Centers for Disease Control reports that the suicide rate among men in construction is five times higher than the rate of all other work-related fatalities in the industry.
“This was shocking,” Ruddy said. “As the safety guy, I used to focus solely on OSHA regulations. Mental health was not even on my radar five years ago.”
In response, Pinkard Construction and the Association of General Contractors are working to raise awareness and provide resources. They emphasize mental health during safety orientations and encourage workers to seek help.
“During our new hire safety orientation, we stress that employees can approach the safety person or HR department to talk one-on-one, without any questions asked,” Ruddy explained.
Superintendents are also trained to handle situations sensitively. “We’re not going to tell someone to just ‘cowboy up.’ We let them take a break if needed,” Ruddy said.
Recently, Ruddy assisted a trade partner struggling with a tough day. “He was surprised that I came to help. It was important to show him that he matters and that mental health is a priority,” Ruddy added.
Ruddy hopes to continue prioritizing emotional health in the industry. “Reducing the stigma is crucial,” he said. “Everyone needs support sometimes, and it’s important to show that it’s okay to ask for help.”
