Construction Safety Week: Building a “Culture of Care”

Project Accountant Lyndsey Moe, based in the Bemidji office

According to the Associated General Contractors of America, the construction industry has the highest rate of suicide, four times greater than the national average and five times greater than all other construction fatalities combined.

While these conversations matter throughout the year, Construction Safety Week offers an important opportunity to reinforce the need to protect industry professionals’ physical and mental well-being.

Project Accountant Lyndsey Moe, based in the Bemidji office, is passionate about suicide-prevention advocacy. Read on to learn more about building a culture of care within a company.

Tell us about your advocacy work. How did you get involved? Why is this work important to you?

LM: I have been a member of the Construction Financial Management Association for several years. While working from home during COVID, I attended a Zoom meeting on suicide prevention. The speaker discussed how members could support the national organization or a local chapter, with an emphasis on the idea that “we all stand together.”

That conversation inspired me to join the Construction Financial Management Association National Committee on Suicide Prevention. As a group, we identify ways corporations can create a more caring culture, provide employee resources, assess a company’s readiness to help employees at risk and prepare for crisis response.

After roughly 20 years in construction, I had not fully understood the industry’s high rate of death by suicide. I did not need to study psychology or have a personal connection to suicide to participate in advocacy work. I needed a desire to take action and bring mental-health and suicide-prevention practices into workplace culture.

I wanted to stand up for suicide prevention. Construction is made up of people with strength, grit and determination. At times, however, those traits can become barriers to asking for help. I want people to know that resources and support are available. I want to help build a culture of care.

It’s Construction Safety Week. How are you showing individuals that you care about both their physical and mental well-being?

LM: Construction Safety Week is a valuable time to raise awareness. Starting a conversation can be difficult, and emails can be an effective first step. MetLife’s 21st Annual Employee Benefit Trends Study found that employees who feel cared for by their employer report better health than those who do not.

Companies can start with a blog post, a toolbox talk or participation in Safety Week. These efforts can connect people with resources and contacts when support is wanted or needed. Learn more about Kraus-Anderson’s safety department and annual Safety Week.

Throughout the year, I demonstrate care by maintaining a positive attitude, showing gratitude and listening actively. I want coworkers to know I value their contributions. This builds stronger relationships and a sense of community that can steady people during difficult times.

In your opinion, what factors contribute to high rates of suicide and mental health challenges in the construction industry?

LM: A “tough-guy culture” and the stigma around mental health are common contributors. People may not feel comfortable sharing emotions because they worry it could make them look weak. The opposite is true. I, along with others in the industry, work to create an environment where positive and negative feelings can be discussed and well received.

Chronic pain or injury from manual labor, separation from family because of travel, pressure related to schedules and performance, and access to lethal means, such as high places and heavy equipment, can also be factors. The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention provides additional information. As part of the Construction Financial Management Association National Committee on Suicide Prevention, we work to identify ways to reduce these risks and support individuals.

For additional perspective, listen to the podcast on mental illness and overcoming stigma in construction

How can Kraus-Anderson and industry partners be proactive in suicide prevention and treatment?

LM: Offer help and support. Feeling connected to others is important for people experiencing depression or considering suicide. We need to recognize warning signs, including changes in workplace performance. Reduced problem-solving ability, self-confidence and productivity, along with increased tardiness, absenteeism, conflict among coworkers, near incidents or injuries, can be indicators.

The basic steps are to understand the issue, share information, educate employees and make resources available to employees and their families. Visit Prevent Construction Suicide for training and resources that help normalize the conversation. A trusting, supportive work environment is especially important during difficult times because it helps teams feel safe, connected and motivated.

Construction is a demanding career, with potential contributing factors related to mental-health challenges. To address this risk to the well-being of employees and trade partners, and to reduce stigma around mental-health challenges, Kraus-Anderson formed a Mental Health Task Force representing a cross-section of roles and functions.

Kraus-Anderson supports employee well-being through health care coverage, wellness offerings, team lunches, social events and commitment to professional growth and development. These efforts reinforce that work has purpose and that employees are valued as people.

For additional resources, listen to how to reduce suicide risk in an organization.

What advice do you have for someone who is struggling and does not know how or where to seek help?

LM: If you or someone you know is struggling or at risk, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.

Reach out when help is needed. If someone opens up to you, listen. Be prepared to ask difficult questions. Asking someone whether they are considering suicide takes courage, but it could save a life. Let that person know you are there to help, that they matter and that support is available. Always be supportive and nonjudgmental.