Construction company opens up conversation on mental health to minimize suicide rate

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

A construction company in Salt Lake City has become a model for helping workers who are struggling with suicidal ideation or self-harm, NPR reports.

Why it matters: The construction industry has the highest suicide rates of any occupation, and its demographics mirror those who are the most susceptible to die by suicide — young and middle-aged men, and also veterans.

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• The company, RK, "highlights mental health two to three times a week during what it calls toolbox talks, when workers gather for staff announcements and to stretch," NPR writes.
• The national suicide rate has been increasing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows.

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

Go deeper:

• The jobs with the highest rates of suicide in the U.S.
• Providers, employers link up on suicide prevention