A leading New York City contractor association is spearheading an effort to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellness in the construction industry and seek legislative reform.

The Business Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) represents 1,200 union contractors in New York City. BTEA cites data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing that construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than from job site-related injuries and four times more likely to commit suicide than the average American.

At 53.3 per 100,000 U.S. workers, the suicide rate in the construction industry is second only to mining. In addition, construction workers disproportionately suffer from opioid addiction. According to non-profit Center for Construction Research and Training, in 2022, there were 17 times more overdose deaths in the industry than fatal work injuries. To read the full story, visit www.jacksonlewis.com.