A new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to better understand and address the high rate of suicide among construction workers.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada introduced the Constructing the Path to Suicide Prevention Act, which would authorize a national study of suicide risk factors in the construction industry and develop recommendations for reducing deaths by suicide.
The legislation comes as construction continues to rank among the industries with some of the highest suicide rates in the United States.
Bill Would Direct National Study
If approved, the legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to work through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on a nationwide study of suicide among construction workers.
The study would examine factors that may contribute to mental health risks within the industry.
Researchers would look at employment and workplace conditions as well as individual factors, including:
- Type of construction work.
- Demographic information.
- Union membership.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Previous substance use.
- Mental health history.
- Physical injuries.
The goal would be to identify patterns that can help policymakers and employers develop more effective suicide prevention programs.
Construction Has a High Suicide Risk
Construction has consistently recorded one of the highest suicide rates among major industries.
The most recent data cited by North America’s Building Trades Unions and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training shows that construction workers had a suicide rate of 43.2 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2024.
Industry groups have increasingly focused on the mental health challenges facing workers, including workplace stress, physical injuries, long hours, job insecurity, substance use, and the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
Recommendations Could Follow the Study
The proposed legislation would require the health secretary to submit a report containing policy recommendations within three years of the bill’s enactment.
Those recommendations would focus on addressing the mental health and suicide risk factors identified through the study.
Supporters of the legislation say better data could help the construction industry move beyond general awareness campaigns and develop prevention strategies based on the specific conditions workers face.
Industry Already Taking Action
The construction industry has already launched several initiatives aimed at improving mental health support and reducing the stigma around seeking help.
In New York City, the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York launched a peer-support program designed to train union members to provide support to fellow workers.
The program has emphasized the message that speaking about mental health is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
Contractors have also invested in national prevention efforts. In 2024, Bechtel pledged $7 million to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, helping establish the Hard Hat Courage initiative.
The program focuses on bringing suicide prevention resources and awareness to construction workers across the country.
Lawmakers and Industry Groups Seek Greater Awareness
The proposed legislation has received support from several Democratic senators, including Mark Warner of Virginia, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and John Hickenlooper of Colorado.
The bill’s introduction reflects growing recognition that construction safety extends beyond physical hazards on the jobsite.
While fall protection, equipment safety, and other physical risks remain critical concerns, employers and industry organizations are increasingly addressing mental health as another important part of worker safety.
Next Steps
If passed, the Constructing the Path to Suicide Prevention Act would provide federal agencies with a framework for studying the factors contributing to suicide among construction workers and developing recommendations for prevention.
Industry organizations are also expected to continue expanding mental health programs, peer support, and suicide prevention training.
Construction Suicide Prevention Week is scheduled for September 14-18, 2026, providing another opportunity for contractors, unions, and workers to raise awareness and encourage conversations about mental health on jobsites.
