September 6, 2024—As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing jobsite safety, CCO is proud to support Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which takes place from September 9–13, 2024. This initiative—part of National Suicide Prevention Month throughout September—is particularly significant for our certificants, as many work in high-pressure construction environments where stress, long hours, and economic uncertainties are prevalent. The construction industry continues to face alarming suicide rates, largely due to a combination of factors such as job-related stress, the stigma surrounding mental health among construction workers, seasonal challenges like reduced work hours, separation from family, and the high prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse.
CCO encourages all its stakeholders and other industry professionals to use this week as an opportunity to raise awareness and provide support to those struggling with mental health issues. We believe that fostering open communication and promoting mental well-being are essential to improving overall jobsite safety. CCO partners with OSHA and the NCCCO Foundation through a formal OSHA Alliance; through these efforts we hope to break the stigma and create a more supportive environment where workers can feel empowered to seek help without fear or judgment. Let's work together to ensure that mental health is treated with the same level of seriousness as physical safety on every jobsite.