STAND UP and Start a Conversation
By Josh Welp, FNF Safety Director
September was National Suicide Prevention Month, and FNF was active in getting the word out. The construction industry has the highest number of suicides and the highest suicide rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that one out of 10 people have seriously considered suicide during the past month. Two out of five people are suffering from mental or behavioral health problems. Moreover, suicide occurs every 12 minutes in the U.S.
Why is this so prevalent in the construction industry?
The construction industry has a stigma of a "tough-guy" culture with workers that often work away from home. With chronic pain, isolation, alcohol/drug abuse, and financial difficulties, the warning signs can lead people to withdraw and give up on life. COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem, has made more people feel hopeless and helpless, and has created financial difficulties for many. Recent data indicates that one out of four people have increased substance abuse to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19.
I have been personally affected by suicide. First, two months ago, one of our FNF employees took his life. This employee was 26 years old and had a young son. I saw him two days before this tragic event and had a 10-minute conversation with him, yet there were no warning signs. I recently had a conversation with his father, who currently works for us. As the crew was paving, we walked and talked. The tears were flowing as they have been with him and his wife every day since the tragedy. He also suffered a stroke one week after his son took his life. I put my arm around him, listened, and offered advice, resources, and prayers.
Second, eight years ago, my cousin took his life. He was promised a promotion earlier, but his supervisor overlooked him and gave it to someone else on the day of his tragedy. After work, he went home and had dinner with his wife and three daughters (ages 6, 3, and 1). He then returned to work that night, sat in his supervisor's office, and took his life.
Unfortunately, the children in both examples will grow up without their biological fathers. There is so much pain and suffering for the living families because they often wonder, "What else could we have done"?
FNF is making a difference by taking the pledge to STAND UP for suicide prevention.
We have incorporated toolbox talks and project stand-down meetings on mental health and suicide prevention to raise awareness and normalize it. We have distributed wallet cards with warning signs and helplines and displayed posters at work and job trailers. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number is 1-800-273-8255, and FNF's Employee Assistance Program phone number is 1-888-881-5462.
We need to stand up and start a conversation with people about mental health and let them know there are resources available, and we are here to support their mental health wellness.
Josh Welp, CSP, CHST, CRIS
FNF Safety DIRECTOR
Josh brings to FNF more than 20 years of experience in construction safety. He holds a Master’s degree in Safety, Health and Environmental Management, is a certified OSHA trainer, and holds a number of professional certifications.
Josh has both field and program management expertise from his prior positions as a safety professional in the construction industry. Earlier in his career, he spent 4 years as a Compliance Officer at ADOSH (Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health), which adds to his perspective from the compliance side.