Construction workers face dangers every day on the job site, but the most significant threat they encounter isn’t from heavy machinery or hazardous materials. Tragically, construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from any workplace accident. This sobering reality has prompted Lines for Life to launch a new resource specifically designed for Oregon’s construction community.
Media Coverage Highlights Critical Need
Recent coverage by KPTV highlighted the launch of our Construction CareLine, bringing much-needed attention to mental health challenges within the construction industry. The story illuminates a crisis that has remained hidden behind the industry’s culture of toughness and resilience.
Construction has the second highest suicide rate of any industry in the United States, trailing only the energy sector. Thousands of construction workers lose their lives to suicide each year, representing not just statistics but beloved family members, skilled craftspeople, and valued community members.
Understanding the Unique Challenges
Construction workers face a complex combination of factors that contribute to mental health struggles. The industry’s culture has traditionally emphasized physical strength and emotional resilience, often making it difficult for workers to seek help when they need it most. As Chief Clinical Officer Greg Borders noted in the KPTV interview, “Talking about mental health is not something that typically happens on the job. We’re changing that.”
Additional challenges include:
- High-stress work environments with tight deadlines.
- Physical demands can lead to chronic pain and injury.
- Seasonal employment fluctuations create financial uncertainty.
- Time away from family due to project locations and schedules.
- Workplace cultures may discourage help-seeking behavior.
Construction CareLine: A Specialized Solution
The Construction CareLine represents a significant step forward in addressing these challenges. This resource provides construction workers with access to clinicians who understand the unique pressures and culture of their industry. When someone calls the Construction CareLine at 503-433-7878, they connect with trained professionals equipped to provide responsive support.
“If you call the Construction CareLine, you’re going to reach a clinician who is there to empathize with you, to hear your story, to spend time with you,” explains Borders. These clinicians maintain connections to a comprehensive network of resources specifically tailored to meet the needs of construction workers and their families.
What to Expect When You Call
Construction CareLine calls are:
- Confidential: All conversations remain private and secure.
- Industry-informed: Clinicians understand construction work culture and challenges.
- Resource-connected: Access to specialized support services and referrals.
- Nonjudgmental: A safe space to discuss any concern, regardless of size.
Part of a Comprehensive Prevention Strategy
The Construction CareLine operates as a key part of the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership (CSPP). This partnership brings together construction companies, labor organizations, and mental health professionals to create systemic change within the industry.
Innovative Workplace Initiatives
CSPP has introduced several programs:
Toolbox Talks: These brief sessions help workers start their day by focusing on both physical and mental wellness, creating space for open conversations about challenges.
Mental Wellness Rooms: Dedicated spaces at construction sites provide workers with a quiet environment to decompress, access resources, and connect with support services when needed.
Industry Training: Specialized education programs help supervisors and coworkers recognize signs of distress and respond with the appropriate resources.
Beyond Construction: Comprehensive Mental Health Support
While the Construction CareLine addresses industry-specific needs, Lines for Life continues to provide comprehensive mental health support for all Oregonians through our established services:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Line: Available 24/7 for anyone experiencing mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts. Learn more at linesforlife.org/988-info.
- Military Helpline: Specialized assistance for service members, veterans, and their families at 888-457-4838.
- Senior Loneliness Line: Dedicated support for older adults seeking connection at 503-200-1633. Visit seniorlonelinessline.org for more information.
- YouthLine: Peer-to-peer help for youth ages 10-24 through multiple contact methods. Learn more at theyouthline.org.
- Alcohol and Drug Helpline: Call 800-923-4357 for substance use support or visit oregonalcoholdrughelpline.org.
Building a Culture of Support
The launch of Construction CareLine represents more than just another helpline. It signals a fundamental shift toward recognizing that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness. By providing industry-specific support, we acknowledge that effective mental health care must meet people where they are, speaking their language and understanding their unique circumstances.
Construction companies and workers across Oregon are already embracing this cultural change. Supervisors are learning to recognize when team members might be struggling, and workers are discovering that reaching out for help can strengthen rather than compromise their professional relationships.
A Foundation for Long-Term Change
The Construction CareLine launch marks the beginning of a sustained effort to transform mental health support within Oregon’s construction industry. Through continued partnership with construction leaders, ongoing education initiatives, and dedicated resources like this helpline, we are building a foundation for lasting change.
This work extends beyond individual calls. It encompasses policy advocacy, workplace culture transformation, and community education efforts designed to ensure every construction worker knows help is available and that seeking it is a sign of wisdom and strength.
As we continue this important work, we remain committed to our core mission: preventing substance abuse and suicide while promoting mental wellness for all Oregonians. The Construction CareLine represents one more tool in our comprehensive approach to creating communities where everyone can thrive.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is always available. Help is just a phone call away and taking that first step can make all the difference. Lines for Life stands ready to provide compassionate, professional support that can save lives and strengthen communities. To learn more about all our services, visit linesforlife.org.
