5,000 Construction Workers Die from Suicide Each Year

TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE LIVES

We’ve all heard it: “toughen up,” “walk it off,” “be a man.” Mental health has been taboo in the construction industry, and workers are paying the price with their lives. 4x5 spreads awareness and creates a network of support so we can say goodbye to construction suicides forever.

Ending Construction's Leading Killer

Our Recovery Plan

AWARENESS

By opening up the conversation, workers feel more comfortable discussing their mental health.

From opening the conversation to providing on-site support and immediate access to resources, 4x5 delivers a practical system that helps protect workers and prevent suicide in construction.

SUPPORT

4x5 ambassadors are placed on job sites in case workers need to talk or get help.

RESOURCES

We connect those struggling with free and fast crisis resources.

seven construction workers standing on white field

Construction-Focused Mental Health Support

There are many outdated attitudes about work and mental health that persist on job sites today. Commercial electrician Canyon State Electric created the 4x5 suicide prevention program to improve the health, happiness, and well-being of workers so they can come home to their families each day. We believe that a construction worker’s safety and success are more important than any job, schedule, or deadline.

Want to End Construction Suicide? You can Help:

Get Mental Health First Aid Certified

Take the fight to the job sites by becoming a 4x5 ambassador. Our ambassadors are mental health first aid (MHFA) certified and qualified to help those in need before it’s too late. Book a training for yourself, your crew, or your company.

Donate to Provide Life-Saving Resources

Your gift provides training, support, and awareness so we never have to lose another coworker, friend, or loved one to construction suicide.

Get the Facts on Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Contributors
man in orange and black vest wearing white helmet holding yellow and black power tool
man in orange and black vest wearing white helmet holding yellow and black power tool

Mental health challenges in construction are driven by a combination of cultural, physical, and environmental factors, including fear of speaking up, ongoing stress, long hours away from home, isolation from support systems, chronic pain and opioid use, diagnosable conditions, a “tough it out” mentality, substance abuse, and risk-taking behaviors.

man in blue white and red plaid button up shirt wearing yellow hard hat holding black
man in blue white and red plaid button up shirt wearing yellow hard hat holding black
a man with a beard and a white hat is holding a yellow pole
a man with a beard and a white hat is holding a yellow pole
Warning Signs

Recognizing the signs early can save lives, with common indicators including increased tardiness or absenteeism, declining productivity, reduced confidence or engagement, withdrawal or isolation, signs of substance abuse, increased agitation or mood swings, noticeable behavioral changes, and difficulty focusing or completing tasks.

The data makes it clear this is a crisis, with 54 per 100,000 construction workers dying by suicide, and for every one loss, 30 others have attempted or considered it, decisions often happening in less than 10 minutes, while 20.2% experience anxiety or depression and up to 83% have faced mental health challenges.

The Reality
a group of men standing on top of a construction site