Tomorrow is Suicide Prevention Day, a moment for the entire industry to pause. Not just for hard hats and deadlines, but for the human beings behind them.

What the Numbers Reveal.

Despite growing awareness and support structures, mental health in our sector remains in turmoil:
Suicidal thoughts: 28% of construction workers have experienced them within the past year.
Daily strain: 24% face stress every day, and 20% battle daily fatigue.
Anxiety and depression: A staggering 83% report monthly struggles with anxiety or depression.
Dangerously high suicide risk: Male construction workers are roughly three to four times more likely to die by suicide than their peers in other sectors. In 2021 alone, 507 construction workers tragically died by suicide, an average of two poer working day.

Support Is Growing - But It Isn't Enough.

There's good news:

• Access to mental health first aiders has risen from 35% to 54% since 2020.
• Engagement with awareness initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Week has increased, with 77% of workers encouraged to participate.
• But statistics like 28% experiencing suicidal thoughts and 17% lacking the confidence to approach struggling colleagues telll us there remains an urgent gap.

Cultural & Structural Barriers Still Hold Strong.

The construction world is tough, in a literal and cultural sense. Long hours, unrealistic deadlines, job insecurity and a "macho" culture make it hard to speak up.

As Simon Navin from CIOB put it: we need to redifine strength - not as silent suffering, but as the courage to talk, listen, and act.

Tomorrow is Suicide Prevention Day, the focus is on "changing the narrative" - moving from scenes of silent struggle to a culture of openness, empathy, and help

This is our moment. Forget the hard sell. Let's start with one simple, powerful act:

• Ask: "Are you OK?"
• Lead the way with presence, not platitudes.
• Promote training - not just for crisis support, but for prevention and early intervention.
• Celebrate every step - whether that's urging leaders to sign up for the Mental Health at Work Commitment, rolling out Mental Health First Aid, or hosting and honest morning check-in.

Yes, it's uncomfortable. Yes, it requires real, human effort. But absolutley, it's worth it.