Once considered a taboo subject, a mounting pile of evidence has revealed construction workers struggle with mental health and suicide issues.
The Mechanical Insulators LMCT, on behalf of the Insulators Union and our affiliated contractors are looking to address these issues and bring them out into the open. They are truly a labor management issue that cannot be overlooked.
Often times, the mental health issues facing Insulators and other members of the building trades are caused by a multitude of factors. If not properly address, these issues can lead to a number of other issues - including suicide.
Mental health is an invisible crisis in the construction industry. Nationally, more construction workers die annually by suicide than by all other occupational injuries combined.
The uncertainty of COVID-19 created major stress, anxiety, fear and worries among workers and their families. When these problems begin to compound, a person can feel overwhelmed, which can lead to the use of alcohol, opioids or other illegal drugs. As the problems continue to multiply, the person may eventually come to the conclusion that the only way out is by taking his or her life.
Simply stated, the loss of one life to suicide is one too many.
The LMCT is working with our affiliated contractors to develop training programs to help contractors better assist tradesmen and tradeswomen, who are struggling with mental health issues.
The truth is suicide is preventable. A culture of caring and wellbeing can reduce the serious risks of mental health, substance misuse and ultimately reduce the number of suicides.
The LMCT encourages any union leader or contractor to use the resources located on this page to increase awareness about this subject nobody wants to talk about.
Suicide prevention should be talked about in the home, at work (in the office or jobsite) and in our communities. Together we can make a difference.
Please watch the videos below and utilize our mental health training resources.
