5,229 construction workers died by suicide in 2016 (the last year for which CDC numbers are available).    The industry category of “construction and extraction” has a higher rate of suicide than any other industry category.    That’s why suicide is a topic worthy of discussion on a construction-related podcast. That’s why we’re talking to Kevin Sells today.    People who aren’t involved in construction might wonder why in world those numbers are so high. If you are in the industry, however, you know that stress levels increase dramatically when supply chains experience hiccups that affect workflow. Also, many commercial construction jobs involve long stretches of time away from family. Unfortunately, many construction companies have almost no protocols or programs in place for addressing mental health concerns.    Creating a healthier overall bid-build process was the desire behind the new methodology proposed by Project Summit, an initiative that Kevin is involved in. Project Summit is total collaboration strategy intended to get back to a system based on producing predictable cost outcomes through true relationship and trust. The connection that this approach has to suicide is that it advocates a one-hard-hat philosophy that consciously places value on all workers and disciplines. It focuses on putting employees and the project first.   Kevin shares about the frustration–even the embarrassment–that he and others in the industry took so long to recognize this problem.    Kevin points out that we can’t realistically recruit young talent and muscle if we can’t show that we’re concerned about all-around employee wellness. This means considering several things:

• work site conditions,
• time away from family,
• length of the work day,
• consistency of jobs,
• availability of medical care for traveling workers,
• additional concerns that exist with military veterans, who might have lingering.

  Kevin explains that it’s about actually listening to and hearing the responses when we ask a coworker, “How are you doing today?”    Kevin emphasizes that no program will work if the leaders within the organization are not genuinely invested in promoting mental health. Leaders must realize their obligation to advocate in this area.   Here are a few specific resources that Kevin recommends for owners and managers interested in addressing mental health concerns with their companies:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
• United Group Services Youtube Channel (search for suicide prevention)
• Cal Beyer
• The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 
  • Phone #: 988
  • Text line: 741741 

  Kevin’s megaphone message: Our industry has a problem in relation to mental illness. It’s killing more workers than anything else. We need to address it.   (By the way, here’s a link to the Jennifer Castenson Forbes article in which she quotes Eddie.)

Find Kevin (and other organizations he mentioned) Online: Kevin on LinkedIn -