Construction workers die by suicide at a rate four times the national average — higher than any other industry. Behind the physical demands of this work are real pressures: job uncertainty, physical pain, financial stress, and the culture of "toughing it out." This toolbox talk is about recognizing when you or a coworker is struggling, and knowing how to help.

• Seasonal work and project-based employment create financial anxiety and feelings of insecurity
• Chronic pain from injuries is common — and often treated with opioids, which carry their own risk of dependence and crisis
• The culture of stoicism in construction ("just power through it") makes it harder to seek help
• Isolation: long hours, time away from family, and working in temporary crews limit social support systems
• NYC construction: demographic data shows higher rates of mental health challenges among immigrant workers who face language barriers to accessing care

• Withdrawal from coworkers, loss of interest in usual activities
• Increased irritability, mood swings, or uncharacteristic aggression
• Talking about feeling like a burden, hopelessness, or "not being around much longer"
• Increased alcohol or substance use, especially on the job
• Giving away possessions, saying goodbyes that feel unusual
• Taking unusual or unnecessary risks on the job — sometimes a warning sign in disguise

Research shows that asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does NOT increase risk — it can reduce it by opening a conversation. If you're concerned about a coworker:

• Find a private moment and say: "Hey, I've noticed you seem down lately. Are you okay? Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
• Listen without judgment. You don't need to have answers — you need to be present
• Do not leave someone alone who is in immediate crisis. Walk them to the foreman, to the field office, or call 988 together
• Follow up — check in the next day. It matters more than you know