In the most recent year with available data, roughly 1,000 construction workers died from workplace accidents. In the same year, approximately 5,000 died by suicide and 11,000 died from overdose. Construction workers are approximately 16 times more likely to die by suicide or overdose than from a conventional workplace injury. And the industry is not yet treating mental health with the same intensity it brings to fall prevention.
On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Bill McCamley, director of the New Mexico Building Trades Wellness Coalition, discusses the wellness coalition model he believes every building trades council in the country should adopt. He shares his own mental health story, explains why peer support from workers with lived experience is the most effective tool available for reaching workers before a crisis becomes fatal, and makes the case for why contractors have a direct financial interest in funding these programs.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Visit nmbtwellness.org for more.
CONTENT NOTE: TODAY'S EPISODE CONTAINS FRANK DISCUSSIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
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