What Can Be Done To Prevent Suicide In The Construction Industry

What Can Be Done To Prevent Suicide In The Construction Industry

Saturday 10th September 2022 marks #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, a day designed to raise awareness of, and to promote action to reduce the number of suicides globally.

Here at SC4, we believe in making sure everyone under our employment feels safe, enjoys what they do, and cares about the community and environment. We feel this is important not just for our work, but also for the wellbeing of our staff. 

During the two weeks surrounding World Suicide Prevent Day SC4 Carpenters Ltd has been hosting open and honest conversations within our teams about mental ill-health to help break the silence surrounding suicide. 

As trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) and as supporters of several construction mental health charities including Mates in Mind, Lighthouse Club and ManGang, we know the power that open, honest conversations about mental health can have. 

We encourage everyone to start a small conversation about mental ill-health which could make a big difference to someone's life.

In the 2 weeks surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day we have been carrying out mental health toolbox talks with our staff. We want to relay to everyone how important is it to look out for each other and spot those on the team that may be acting a little quieter or even a little more reckless that usual. These are only two indicators that something may not be right.

Here Are Twelve Indicators To Look Out For:

❖ Acting differently from usual - a little quieter or even a little louder or more reckless

❖ Avoiding social situations more than usual, and not wanting to engage in group activities.

❖ Slacking at work and feeling indifferent about warnings.

❖ Turning up to work hungover or drunk/high.

❖ Being negligent towards healthy living such as hygiene, diet or keeping fit.

❖ Being more forgetful.

❖ Acting recklessly at work, maybe taking risks while working at heights or with heavy equipment and materials.

❖ Talking more about guilt and mistakes they feel they’ve made in the past.

❖ Behaving out of character.

❖ Changing their appearance drastically without warning.

❖ Starting to talk more about death and dying, for example pondering life after death or asking other people how they would like to die.

❖ Giving away personal possessions, or asking others to look after their loved ones if anything were to happen to them.

Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone, even those who seem the happiest.

Remembering to be mindful, listening and always being there for your friends, colleagues and team will help you spot any differences in behavior, and help an individual seek help.

Unfortunately, not everyone you try to help will accept it, but that doesn’t mean you should look the other way and brush it off as an off day.

See It. Speak Up. Help.

If you or someone you know is suffering with depression or suicidal thoughts, here are some links you can use for advice and support:

❖ Call Construction Industry Helpline on 03456051956 (UK-Wide) or text their HARDHAT to 85258 (UK)
A 24/7 free confidential support service for all construction workers and their families in the UK and Ireland.

❖ Contact one of ManGang’s many locations to arrange attending a meeting
ManGang are the network of men who believe that it's not weak to speak. They provide a platform for men across Hampshire who struggle with the pressures of modern-day life.

❖ Call Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) 0808 802 58 58 (London) (5pm–midnight)
CALM provide a helpline for men in the UK who are down or have hit a wall, who need to talk or find information and support.

❖ call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK-wide)
Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.

❖ text SHOUT to 85258 (UK-wide)
Shout is the UK's free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

❖ Or find more help at Mates in Mind

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal and is at risk of hurting themselves or others, call 111 for medical advice or 999 in emergencies.