According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, the construction industry had the second-highest rate of suicide among its workers, surpassed only by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction workers. Fifty-six out of every 100,000 male construction workers died by suicide in 2021, compared to 32 per 100,000 male workers in all industries. This rate was roughly four times the national average and almost six times the rate of all construction fatalities combined.
“We cannot stand by while a silent epidemic of suicide takes place within our industry,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, AGC of America's chief executive officer. “We want to reduce the stigma of mental health issues in this industry, let people know it is okay to ask for help and, ultimately, save lives.”
Mental Health PSAs
On December 6, 2022, AGC of America released a series of videos telling the stories of real industry professionals who have struggled with mental health. The hope is that in sharing their stories, others will know they are not alone, and it is okay to seek help when it is needed. These videos are part of the association’s ongoing efforts to combat high suicide rates and improve mental health among the industry’s workers.
Naloxone Awareness Videos
In January 2025, AGC of America released a series of videos telling the stories highlighting the critical need for Naloxone on every job site. These powerful stories serve as a reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, and having the proper training and resources can mean the difference between life and death. See why safety isn’t just about hard hats and harnesses—it’s about being ready for anything.
Tools & Resources
The AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Task Force has compiled a wealth of tools and resources related to mental health, substance abuse, and suicide prevention.
This page was last updated on April 3, 2025.