I wanted to share some highlights from our outreach during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. It was a hectic week and I found myself using many of the tools and tactics we teach to manage stress and practice self-care!
Monday
I kicked off the week with a visit to the Hoffman and SKANSKA PDX site. In August, the first phase of the construction was completed and the airport was transformed from a stagnant concrete airport into an expanding forest with a new roof, live trees, skylights, and new local businesses. This was my first look at the new airport.
Adam Garske, one of the lead superintendents on the site, guided me through various areas of PDX, explaining the extensive work required and the challenges of dealing with pre-existing construction before the remodel. Many workers must be prepared to face hazards such as asbestos and mold. While strict safety precautions are in place, these factors still pose significant health risks to workers and highlight the dangers of the job. These risks are also factors that contribute to the increased risk of suicide among workers.
I distributed resources throughout the construction areas reinforcing the message that positive mental health practices and precautions improve physical safety on the job.
CSPP has been fortunate to see the evolution of the airport. In Jan 2023 (Read the blog post here), we participated in the opening of Hoffman’s Guts Room.
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we visited Fortis Construction. Max participated in a panel discussion about worker mental health safety. Max spoke alongside Anna Meiners from Canopy EAP, Tim Sessel, the COO of Fortis, and Frank Lee, a superintendent with Fortis. They shared valuable insights and experiences regarding workers’ mental health, including risk factors, warning signs, and behaviors that might indicate someone is contemplating suicide.
A key takeaway was the importance of leadership supporting workers’ mental health. Without leadership backing these practices, workers face significant barriers to accessing mental health resources, and stigma persists. Each panelist shared personal reasons for why suicide prevention matters and that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. We are excited to continue supporting Fortis’ efforts to raise awareness, deliver training, and share resources with their workers.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, I attended a wellness fair for a site in Hillsboro. This fair showcased local and state companies and resources committed to improving the lives of construction workers. Following the wellness fair, Max led a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) session for the employees, which sparked a meaningful discussion.
Thursday
On Thursday, I visited Hoffman’s CAMS (Capitol, Accessibility, Maintenance, and Safety Projects) to give a suicide prevention talk during the morning stretch and flex. The long drive from Portland and the early start gave me insight into many construction workers’ daily realities Onsite, the crews joked that they spend more time in their cars than with their families. During their break, I talked with workers in the GUTS rooms and saw how simple things, like one worker making popcorn for everyone during breaks, can make work a little better.
Friday
Lastly, on Friday, I travelled to Hoffman Headquarters downtown to teach a de-escalation training. The attendees shared personal anecdotes and exchanged resources with one another as we progressed through the training. Even while I was teaching, I felt like I was learning so much from the discussion. I also traveled to Hoffman’s Reservoir site to talk with their workers about CSPP’s resources. The willingness to share and support one another was evident and gave me hope that change is possible in this industry. Talking about these very difficult challenges can be hard and requires a great deal of strength and courage. However, when we share our experiences and knowledge, we challenge the culture that perpetuates stigma and strengthen the bonds between us, allowing us to grow not only as individuals but also to improve the world around us.
If you are interested in these trainings or would like additional information, please contact us at csppteam@linesforlife.org
