Chief executives from leading companies—Bechtel, Fluor, Turner Construction Company, Kiewit, Clark Construction, DPR Construction, Skanska, Stanley Black & Decker, and North America’s Building Trades Unions—have come together to establish a new CEO Advisory Council. This council will spearhead an industry-wide effort to address the high rate of suicide among construction workers.
This initiative builds on an effort launched earlier this year by Bechtel, which pledged the largest financial donation in history to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The goal is to create research-based programs and resources tailored specifically for the construction industry, aiming to reach 500,000 U.S. workers within the next five years. The initiative will increase awareness of mental health support and suicide prevention through industry-specific programs, with a focus on mental health education and crisis intervention.
The formation of the CEO Advisory Council demonstrates the industry’s collective commitment to tackle this pressing issue. Brendan Bechtel, Chairman and CEO of Bechtel, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration: “Suicide prevention and mental health are critical issues for the construction industry. Like worksite safety, saving lives is not proprietary. By joining this council, my fellow industry leaders are committed to finding solutions together, and I’m grateful for their participation. We owe it to our colleagues and their families to prevent these tragedies.”
Robert Gebbia, CEO of AFSP, emphasized the importance of the council’s support: “The involvement of these top leaders sends a strong message that the construction industry is committed to making a difference in the lives of its workers. Their insights will be invaluable as we develop targeted programs and resources.”
Founding Members of the CEO Advisory Council:
- Don Allan Jr., President and CEO, Stanley Black & Decker: Through DEWALT’s Grow the Trades program, the company has committed $30 million to initiatives for skilled workers, including mental health support.
- Brendan Bechtel, Chairman and CEO, Bechtel: Bechtel has introduced mental health first aid training and action plans on its projects and led efforts for Construction Suicide Prevention Week.
- David Constable, Chairman and CEO, Fluor: Fluor promotes mental health awareness through programs like STAND Up for Suicide Prevention Week and mental health first aid training.
- Peter Davoren, Chairman, President and CEO, Turner Construction Company: Turner provides mental health training and promotes awareness to over 100,000 workers on its project sites.
- Richard Kennedy, President and CEO, Skanska USA: Skanska integrates safety, health, and well-being into its operations, offering training programs like the Mental Health First Aid Green Sticker Program.
- Rick Lanoha, President and CEO, Kiewit: Kiewit supports its workforce through its Under the Hat™ Building Healthy Minds program, providing comprehensive mental health tools and training.
- Sean McGarvey, President, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU): NABTU collaborates on national and grassroots programs addressing mental health and suicide prevention through its RESPECT initiative.
- Robert D. Moser, Jr., CEO, Clark Construction: Clark promotes mental health through training, participation in industry task forces, and partnerships with mental health organizations.
- George Pfeffer, CEO, DPR Construction: DPR offers mental health resources to employees, including training programs, workshops, and counseling.
The council will meet quarterly to evaluate current mental health programs, identify gaps, and develop new initiatives to better support construction professionals. Their efforts will include enhancing training, launching awareness campaigns, and improving access to mental health resources across the industry.
For further information on how to get involved, visit: Confronting Suicide in the Construction Industry | Bechtel.
