Protecting what’s under the hard hat: Michigan’s construction workers are talking about mental health

Suicide deaths among men working in Michigan’s construction industry went up by 65% in 2022. Today, with employment in MI construction at a 22-year high, workers and officials are teaming up on mental health. 

The number of filled construction jobs in Michigan is at a 22-year high—that’s the good news. Keeping those workers mentally healthy—that’s the work ahead of construction employers in the Mitten.

“Suicide is one of the construction industry’s worst-kept secrets, and it’s killing people,” said Bart Pickelman, director of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in a recent press release. 

Suicide deaths among men working in Michigan’s construction industry increased by 65% in 2022, according to the 2024 Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Annual Report. That means 175 Michigan men who worked in construction died by their own hand that year.

Furthermore, the report revealed that construction workers are over 12 times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace hazard. 

With so many construction jobs fully staffed in Michigan for the first time in a long time, state officials are trying to get construction companies to focus on mental health in the workplace. 

“We encourage employers and employees alike to confront this critical issue impacting the construction industry by implementing the necessary tools to create happier, stronger workplaces,” said Sean Egan, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), in a recent press release.

Every September, as part of National Suicide Prevention Month, construction companies across the US dedicate a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that can lead to thoughts of suicide. 

It’s another example of state programs supporting Michiganders—especially those in rural areas—looking for more ways to live longer, happier lives. 

Pickelman and Egan joined nearly 300 tradespeople involved with Gun Lake Casino’s $300-million expansion project during a Construction Suicide Prevention event earlier this month. Both leaders highlighted the high number of suicides in the industry and underscored the need for mental health interventions targeted to this predominantly male industry.

“[We are] committed to working with Michigan construction companies and their employees to strengthen their workplace safety and health and help create work environments that better support employee mental health,” said Pickelman. 

One of the speakers at the Gun Lake event was Mark Dyke—a professor at Ferris State University with over 20 years of experience in both the construction industry and as a licensed mental health therapist. Dyke said that such events aren’t just a photo op—they’re an entry point for construction companies to have a conversation about mental health with their employees.

“It’s about raising awareness and starting conversations,” he said.

“If we ignore it, it stays in the shadows. We need to change something or we’ll continue to face the same challenges.”

If you’re struggling with work-related stress, reach out for help. Call or text the 988 Lifeline Chat and Text, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. The service is also there for people who know or care about anyone struggling with stress or mental health challenges.