Suicide Prevention in Construction: Why It Matters More Than Ever
This September, Pleasant Places is creating space for something more important than productivity: each other.
Construction is hard, physical work. Long hours, deadline pressure, and isolation can wear down even the strongest crews. What’s not always visible is the toll it can take on mental health.
According to the CDC, the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession in the U.S. More than 5,000 construction workers die by suicide each year—nearly five times the number of annual jobsite fatalities.
At Pleasant Places, we believe safety includes more than just PPE. Mental health is part of the job—and part of our culture.
A Message from Leadership
“This is personal. We’ve felt this loss close to home, and we want to make sure no one suffers in silence. If this message helps one person speak up or one coworker check in, then it matters.”
— Gilly Artigues, President, Pleasant Places
“We talk about safety every day—but mental health is safety too. If we’re not supporting the people behind the work, we’re missing the mark. This campaign is about showing up, standing in the gap, and doing better—for our team and the next generation.”
— Palmer Artigues, COO, Pleasant Places
What We’re Doing
Suicide Prevention Training for all staff and supervisors
Company-wide signage and digital reminders for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Resources and talking points shared with field leaders
Weekly posts and education throughout the month of September
Why It Matters in Construction
Construction workers are uniquely at risk for mental health challenges due to chronic pain, stress, isolation, and stigma. Substance misuse and PTSD are also more prevalent, especially among workers with prior military service.
Too often, the culture of “toughness” keeps people from speaking up. We want to change that.
What You Can Do
Check in with your coworkers.
Recognize red flags like withdrawal, anxiety, and substance use.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. Help is free and available 24/7.
Honoring a Legacy by Supporting a Future
Earlier this year, we lost a member of our team. In his memory, we’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support his daughter’s future through a 529 education savings plan. Every donation makes a lasting impact.
At Pleasant Places, we’re committed to showing up—not just in our work, but for each other.
