IUPAT Helping Hand

Working in the building and construction trades is a challenging career. There are high productivity demands on the workforce to meet deadlines, as well as working conditions that can often be an extreme danger if strict safety guidelines aren't followed.

Yet, there are other risks construction workers face in the industry – suicide and substance use disorder.

The IUPAT Helping Hand initiative is moving forward every day to bring assistance to members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

Suicide is Taking its Toll

A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Britain's Office of National Statistics (ONS) reported that the suicide rate for construction workers is the second highest of all industries in the United States (farming, fishing and forestry was first), and first in Canada.

In fact, data shows that construction workers are three times more likely to take their own life than the rest of the population.

Help is Available

On the back side of your insurance card, you will find a phone number for the Aurora Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The number for help is 1-800-236-3231.

Local Wisconsin resources

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  414-216-4180
  https://afsp.org/chapter/wisconsin
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  608-268-6000
  https://namiwisconsin.org

Local Michigan Resources

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  810-710-7790
  https://afsp.org/chapter/michigan
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  517-485-4049
  https://namimi.org

Toolbox Talk

• You Are Not Alone - When you or someone you know is struggling with a life predicament or crossroads, you are not alone
• Mental Health & Workplace Safety - For many years it was considered taboo to talk about mental health at work and other public places
• #BeThe1To - The stigma over talking about mental health is changing and the IUPAT is working to be a leader in this
• Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources - There are easy-to-use services that are free, confidential, and available 24/7
• Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Toolbox Talk - You don't have to be a mental health worker to help someone who is struggling
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Toolbox Talk - In 2016 there were more than 44,000 suicides in the U.S.
• Opioid Deaths in Construction - Construction work can result in painful injuries that are sometimes treated with prescription opioids
• Risk of Alcohol or Substance Use Relapse Rising with COVID-19 - Helping employees and family members find online recovery meetings