Construction Suicide Prevention Week and the Hard Hat Courage initiative from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) have launched a joint “Crew Builder” video series and educational initiative designed to combat suicide, elevate mental health awareness, and advance access to resources across the construction industry.
“When we talk about safety on the jobsite, mental health must be treated with the same level of seriousness as physical safety,” says Trisha Calabrese, senior vice president of programs at AFSP. “Through this program, we are equipping workers with actionable tools to look out for one another in the field. The Crew Builder program gives workers the awareness to recognize when someone might be at risk for suicide and provides them with the resources to help.”
The Crew Builder video series equips construction professionals, managers, and crews with the practical skills needed to recognize when a coworker may be struggling and safely intervene. The five-part video series breaks down suicide prevention into actionable, jobsite-relevant strategies designed for crews and leaders including addressing industry pressures like physical pain, seasonal layoffs, and shiftwork.
It gives guidance for managers and colleagues on responding to a mental health crisis or suicide to support grieving workers and provides recommendations on how to start a dialogue or connect struggling peers to Employee Assistance Programs or immediate support like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Participants who complete the video series earn the Crew Builder Certificate of Completion, indicating receiving the foundational knowledge of suicide prevention concepts.
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