Leaders in Construction Industry Announce Comprehensive Plan for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health

For More Information, Contact:
Dwight Holton
CEO, Lines for Life
[email protected]
503.501.6682

LEADERS IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH

Executives from Leading General Contractors Commit to Plan

Portland, Oregon. Eight of the nation’s leading general contractors have unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to improve mental health and reduce suicide rates in the construction industry. These companies—together representing over $75 billion in annual revenue—have built communities, neighborhoods, and iconic skylines across the Western United States.

Now, they are joining forces to build mental health and wellness for the tens of thousands of workers and their families on hundreds of job sites across Oregon and the Northwest. The companies participating in this commitment include:

The leaders have organized as a peer group of the broader Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership (CSPP), launched by Lines for Life in 2019. The CSPP is a membership-based coalition that includes dozens of key players in the construction industry, including contractors, labor organizations, workers compensation, insurance and finance firms, as well as key healthcare players like the VA and OHSU.

Lines for Life is a nonprofit and the region’s leading force for preventing substance abuse and suicide.

The construction industry has long prioritized physical safety on job sites. These visionary leaders are now making mental health an essential component of that industry-wide safety commitment. They have pledged to transform their Standard Operating Procedures with five key strategies designed to integrate mental wellness into their workplace culture:

• Mental Health Toolbox Talks: Companies will host onsite mental health “Toolbox Talks” on their hundreds of jobsites, with at least one mental health talk monthly on each jobsite. Lines for Life’s CSPP has produced 12 monthly video talks as a curriculum for participating companies.
• QPR Training: Workers and corporate leaders will undergo Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training—an evidence-based approach to crisis response, akin to CPR for mental health.
• Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health: Companies will introduce signage and communication to encourage open conversations about mental wellness and connect workers with resources.
• Making Space for Mental Health: Companies will work to create designated areas on job sites where workers can seek support and resources for mental wellness.
• Promoting the Construction CareLine, a crisis line designed to support those working in the construction industry and their families.

The companies have also all made and committed to substantial financial support for CSPP to help develop and implement continued expansion of life-saving initiatives.

Announcing the Construction CareLine

In partnership with Lines for Life, the contractors proudly introduce the Construction CareLine, a free, confidential support service available 24 hours a day for construction workers and their families.

📞 Oregon-based callers: 503-433-7878 📞 Outside Oregon: 833-444-6020

The Construction CareLine is a free, nonjudgemental support and crisis line for life’s tough days – and is hosted by Lines for Life, which also hosts the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Line.

The construction industry faces the second highest rate of suicide of any industry in the United States – second only to mining and extraction. Construction workers are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide as the general population. In 2022, approximately 6,000 construction workers died by suicide, as compared to 1,000 who died due to construction related safety incident.

The General Contractors’ commitments, announced today, reflect a shared determination to use evidence-based strategies to tackle the challenge of mental health on the jobsite – and build hope.

We invite our partners in the industry to join us in meeting these commitments.

A brief description of the participating organizations, and quote from their leadership, follows:

Lines for Life:

Lines for Life is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide and promoting mental wellness. Lines for Life launched the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership in 2019, with the mission of making mental health a key part of the construction industry’s fundamental commitment to safety.

“These companies are leading the way for nation – with concrete steps that will save lives, support families, and make their workforce much healthier and happier.”
Dwight Holton, CEO, Lines for Life

Hoffman Construction

Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1922, Hoffman has grown to be the largest general contractor headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. Today, Hoffman’s reach extends beyond the Northwest to include projects in over a dozen states and overseas. Hoffman has strived to be an industry leader in building mental health into the industry’s commitment to safety.

“At Hoffman, the safety, health, and well-being of our people always come first. That’s why we’re proud to partner with fellow industry leaders in supporting the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership (CSPP). Together, we’re taking real action to address the mental health crisis in construction—saving lives and strengthening the well-being of millions of people across our industry and beyond.”
Dave Drinkward, President and CEO, Hoffman Construction

Skanska USA Building

Skanska’s building operations specializes in construction management of buildings across various sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, aviation, advanced technology, and life sciences. Recognized as one of the world’s leading construction and development firms, Skanska is known for building sustainable communities and is a longtime industry leader in prioritizing mental health on the jobsite. In addition to co-leading the local General Contractor peer group, it has implemented several impactful programs, including Mental Health First Aid training, wellness rooms in offices, and comprehensive mental health benefits with 24/7 access to care.

“We’ve come together as an industry because safety has always been our shared priority—and mental health is the next critical step. This partnership is about raising awareness on suicide and removing the stigma around conversations that address mental health. I’m proud to stand with other leaders to save lives, promote mental wellness, and support our workforce.”
Katie Coulson, Chair of the General Contractor peer group and Executive Vice President – General Manager, Skanska Advanced Technology for USA Building.

Mortenson

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-25 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and Seattle. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

“We stand in solidarity alongside other industry leaders and Lines for Life to address the urgent and rising mental health crisis in construction. Together, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and ensure that every jobsite is a place of support and connection.”
Mike Clifford, Vice President and General Manager, Mortenson

Andersen Construction

Established in 1950, Andersen Construction is an employee-owned company with offices in Portland, OR, Eugene, OR, Seattle, WA and Boise, ID. With a legacy spanning over 75 years, Andersen has completed more than 1,000 projects in the Pacific Northwest, showcasing a diverse portfolio including healthcare, education, advanced technology, commercial, and multi-family housing sectors. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident through its adoption of collaborative delivery methods like Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Construction Management/General Contracting (CM/GC). Guided by nine core values, Andersen fosters a culture emphasizing integrity, safety, and client-first service, solidifying its reputation as a trusted builder and partner in the Pacific Northwest. Newsweek ranked Andersen #1 “Most Trusted Contractor” in America in both 2024 and 2025. This is a testament to our people and their unwavering efforts to do the right thing. For more information about Andersen, please see our website (www.andersen-const.com) and visit our social media platforms for the most current updates on our people and projects.

“At Andersen, we’ve always held that people are our foundation and the strength of our industry. Our work around mental health and suicide prevention is critical, and it’s personal – sadly, our industry is disproportionately affected by suicide. We’ve felt the painful impacts of mental health challenges in our own company and in our broader community. That’s why we’re committed to breaking down stigma, showing up for each other, and making sure no one has to face these kinds of serious challenges alone. Construction is tough work, but caring for one another shouldn’t be. Together, we can build an industry culture that’s safer, stronger, and more human, which is exactly what this coalition of contractors and industry leaders are doing. We’re very proud to be part of Lines for Life and the Construction Suicide Prevention Program, and we’re inspired by the collective work this team is doing to improve lives.”
Travis Baker, CEO, Andersen Construction

Fortis Construction

Fortis Construction, Inc. is an employee-owned general contractor committed to making an impact—through the built environments we deliver and the relationships we build in the process. Passionate people are the cornerstone of our company. Together, we deliver a general contracting experience rooted in support, trust, and collaboration living up to our Core Values by developing empowering, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, staff, and communities.

“Construction projects are only as strong as the teams that build them, which is why Fortis Construction is dedicated to fostering human connection and providing unwavering support to all our employees and partners. By prioritizing mental health and creating a community where individuals feel valued and understood, we aim to significantly reduce the incidence of suicide among construction professionals. Together with Lines of Life, we can build not just structures, but a stronger, more compassionate industry. Remember, mental health is health.”
Tim Sissel, Chief Operating Officer, Fortis Construction

Lease Crutcher Lewis

Lewis has been a Northwest general contractor since 1886 and has offices in Seattle, Portland and Eugene. The firm provides preconstruction, construction management, general contracting and design-build services for clients in the commercial, education, healthcare, data center, life sciences and corporate markets.

“Suicide prevention in construction is a responsibility we all share. By coming together as industry leaders, launching the Construction CareLine, and committing to clear actions, we’re making it clear that mental health matters. Just as we prioritize physical safety, we must create a culture where every worker feels supported, valued, and never alone.”
Tony Stewart, President, Oregon Division of Lease Crutcher Lewis

R&H Construction

R&H Construction is an employee-owned general contractor, delivering a diverse range of projects in Oregon and SW Washington with the mission of providing an exceptional building experience. R&H is deeply invested in building long-term, trusted partnerships that cultivate a thriving community. We advocate for those that live, work, play, and invest in the projects and the communities where we build.

“Mental health challenges and suicide are especially prevalent issues facing the construction industry. We feel compelled to take meaningful action to provide help to those who are in need. Lines for Life and the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership– along with many leading industry organizations–are providing remarkable support and connection to those who seek it. We’re proud of the great work that Lines for Life and the CSPP have accomplished to date, and we are humbled and energized to continue supporting that work, in partnership with many leading NW construction organizations.”
Kraig O’Connor, President and CEO of R&H Construction

Turner Construction

Since its founding in 1902, Turner Construction has prioritized safety while delivering some of the nation’s most complex and high-profile projects. Turner’s commitment to safety embraces a total worker mindset through its Building L.I.F.E. (Living Injury Free Every Day) program. Recognizing that safety extends beyond physical measures, the Turner Foundation launched a $5 million investment dedicated to improving mental health in construction through training and expanded access to resources. Turner is also a proud member of the Construction Suicide Prevention Partnership, a collaborative effort initiated by Lines for Life to address mental health and suicide prevention across the entire construction industry. Our ongoing efforts to support both physical and mental well-being reinforce our belief that a truly safe jobsite cares for the whole person.

“Holistic health and wellness puts equal value on physical and mental safety. While we are proud of the progress we have made to date with creating open dialogue, a safe space & respectful jobsite culture, and bringing awareness to the mental health challenges specific to our industry, there is still a lot of work to be done. We pledge to work side by side with our fellow General Contractors and Lines for Life to ensure our people, workforce and their families are educated, supported, happy, and healthy.”
Kyle Warren, VP & General Manager, Turner Construction