An initiative to raise awareness and provide resources about the construction industry and its high suicide rates will make a stop in Dunwoody with the Construction Hike for Hope on May 5 at Brook Run Park.
Starting at 10 a.m. and hosted by the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the hike is one of several working to engage the construction industry on the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.
According to walk organizer David Wessin, the construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession in the U.S., five times higher than the number of lives lost in job site safety incidents, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Wessin, who is employed by American Global Insurance, an insurer specializing in the construction field, said he can relate to the challenges workers face, as he was actively involved in the profession for 40 years.
“The construction industry is, for the most part, a macho world,” Wessin said. “People in this industry haven’t been given the opportunity or the tools to talk about their issues, or to find resources to get help.”
Workers in the construction industry are increasingly faced with long hours, tight deadlines, job uncertainty, and isolation as employees often spend months away from family and friends, Wessin said.
“All of this takes a toll on mental health,” he said. “In addition, substance abuse is a contributing factor.”
Wessin, a volunteer for AFSP, said he can relate to the challenges construction workers face, as he worked in the profession for 40 years and spent many years as a safety manager.
Those interested in participating in the event, either as a walker or sponsor, can contribute or register in advance or on the day of the walk. Wessin said he expects the event to raise about $15,000. To date, according to the website, about 60 participants have registered, with donations topping more than $12,000.
Those interested in information about events in other states can contact Wessin at [email protected].