Construction Suicide Prevention Week: Every Life Matters

Recent data gives the construction industry a reason for hope. According to Construction Dive, fatal drug overdoses among construction workers decreased by 28.8% from 2023 to 2024, representing approximately 4,600 fewer deaths. Deaths by suicide also declined, but by a much smaller 1.7%.

That progress did not happen by accident. Greater awareness, reduced stigma, improved treatment and recovery support, and increased access to naloxone have helped move the numbers in the right direction.

But the problem is far from solved. The suicide rate among construction workers remains more than four times the industry’s rate of fatal jobsite injuries.

That is why these conversations matter. The more openly the construction industry talks about mental health and substance use, the easier it becomes for someone to speak up, ask for help, or check in on a coworker.

At EDA, one way we support these conversations is through PACT, or Personal Accountability Changes Today. The program helps connect employees facing mental health or substance use challenges with support and resources.

The numbers are moving in the right direction, but the work continues until they reach zero. Any life lost is one too many.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.