09/15/2026
Construction Su***de Prevention Week | September 14-18, 2026
Construction Su***de Prevention Week provides an important opportunity to pause and remind our fellow ironworkers that mental health is an essential part of safety—not only this week, but every day of the year.
This year’s theme is “Building on Progress.” While we have made progress in bringing mental health and su***de prevention conversations into the industry, there is still work to do. Ironworkers face unique challenges, including demanding schedules, long hours, fatigue, financial pressures, injuries, relationship and family challenges, and other stresses that can come with working in high-pressure environments often far from home. Sometimes, someone who is struggling may not show any obvious signs that something is wrong. That is why checking in matters.
Use Construction Su***de Prevention Week as an opportunity to practice skills that should be used throughout the year, such as:
1. Checking in with a coworker and asking how they are really doing.
2. Starting a conversation about mental health and reminding others that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Sharing resources with your crews, coworkers, friends, and family.
4. Presenting a toolbox talk or safety moment focused on mental health and su***de prevention.
5. Learning a new way to help someone who may be struggling.
The Construction Industry Alliance for Su***de Prevention and CPWR offer free construction-specific resources, including toolbox talks (English and Spanish), hazard alert cards, infographics, and training materials that can help supervisors and ironworkers start these conversations.
One resource everyone should know is the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Anyone experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis, emotional distress, or thoughts of su***de can call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.
Ironworkers continue to raise the standard by offering in-patient mental health care assistance through the IMPACT off-job accident program (check if your IMPACT RAB/local participates in the mental health/substance abuse benefit). In addition, the IW/IMPACT partnership with Modern Assistance offers 24/7 support and resources (see flyer below).
Please take some time during the week of September 14-18 to participate. Share a resource. Have a conversation. Check on someone you haven’t heard from lately. Encourage everyone to take part. A small conversation can make a meaningful difference.
Ironworkers and their families are the heart of our union, and the well-being of every person matters. Together, we can continue building on progress and create a culture where looking out for one another—on and off the job—is part of who we are.
-IWI Safety & Health dept.
1-833-355-SAFE (7233)
[email protected]
RESOURCES:
VIDEO: General President Bryenton’s speech and panel discussion on Mental Health at the Iron Workers’ 45th International Convention.
OSHA poster – 5 things to know (English and Spanish)
CPWR:
Resources to Prevent Su***de Deaths in Construction
Resources to Prevent Opioid Deaths in Construction
Su***de Prevention Practices for Ironworkers
U.S. & CANADIAN IRONWORKER/BUILDING TRADES SUPPORT:
Assess
Credible Mind – Digital tools and resources for personal wellness for ironworkers, signatory employers and their families
Train
The Working Mind (Canada)– an evidence-based training program designed to build practical skills and knowledge that help create a mentally healthy, supportive, and stigma-free workplace.
QPR Institute – Su***de prevention training. that empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know
Support
Charlie Health – Virtual support services for maintaining balance and wellness
Modern Assistance – Guidance for managing substance use, trauma, and workplace stress
Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Mental Health & Substance Use Resources
Canada’s Building Trades Unions is focused on addressing mental health struggles and substance use among skilled trades workers. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone – your brothers and sisters and our entire movement are ready to stand with you and get you the help that you need. Below are the help lines and resources in each province, and nationally, available to you. Be sure to check with your local or national union to assess what additional programs may be available through your membership.
English: https://www.buildingtrades.ca/en/mental-health-and-substance-use/
Les Syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada (SMCC)Ressources sur la santé mentale et la toxicomania
Les Syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada se concentrent sur la lutte contre les problèmes de santé mentale et la consommation d'alcool et d'autres drogues chez les travailleurs des métiers de la construction. Si tu éprouves des difficultés, sache que tu n'es pas seul - tes confrères et consœurs et l'ensemble de notre mouvement sont prêts à t'épauler et à t'apporter l'aide dont tu as besoin. Tu trouveras ci-dessous les lignes d'aide et les ressources disponibles dans chaque province et à l'échelle nationale.N'oublie pas de vérifier auprès de ton syndicat local ou national quels sont les programmes supplémentaires qui peuvent être offerts par tes membres.
French: https://buildingtrades.ca/fr/sante-mentale-et-toxicomanie/
ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED RESOURCES:
Note: The following resources are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Iron Workers International.
This resource list is not comprehensive. Additional mental health, su***de prevention, substance use, and wellness services may be available through local unions, employers, benefit providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
1. Ironworker-specific: CredibleMind provides 24/7 confidential tools for mental well-being and serves as an industry-specific digital resource for ironworkers and employers, at iwu.crediblemind.com.
2. Veteran resources: the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Su***de Prevention, the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention’s military and veteran program, and VA general veteran resources.
3. Faith-based resources: Soul Shop; Mighty Oaks; International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers; and Anthem of Hope.
4. LGBTQ+ resources: the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention and the Trevor Project, and SAGE’s National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline.
5. Native American resources: SAMHSA tribal-specific resources, the Indian Health Service’s Substance Abuse and Su***de Prevention (SASP) Program, the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Indigenous community programming, and the Bureau of Indian Education.
6. Postvention resources: the Su***de Prevention Resource Center’s manager’s guidebook to su***de postvention, the Grief Center and the American Association of Suicidology.
7. Canadian resources: the Centre for Su***de Prevention, an education center with a library of more than 50,000 su***de-related items, the largest English-language collection in the world, serving military members and veterans, Indigenous people, the LGBTQ+ community and others (su***deinfo.ca/resources).
FLYERS:
Support for Members of the District Council of Ironworkers of California and Their Families
Les Syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada se concentrent sur la lutte contre les problèmes de santé mentale et la consommation d'alcool et d'autres drogues chez les travailleurs qualifiés. Si tu éprouves des difficultés, sache que tu n'es pas seul - tes confrères et consœurs et ...
