Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Toolbox Talk
In construction, we lose more workers to suicide than to accidents on site. Long hours, time away from family, money worries and a culture of keeping quiet all play a part. Today is about spotting when a mate is struggling and knowing what to do.
Takes about 5 minutes.
Key points to read out
- Watch for changes: going quiet, pulling away, drinking more, angry outbursts, taking risks, or not turning up.
- Listen for talk about being a burden, feeling trapped, having no way out or not being around.
- If you are worried, ask directly: are you thinking about suicide? Asking does not put the idea in their head. It can save a life.
- Listen without judging or trying to fix it. Let them talk.
- Help them connect with support, and offer to make the call with them.
- If someone is in immediate danger, stay with them and call 911.
- Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time of day or night.
- Check in with each other regularly, not just when something looks wrong.
- Look after yourself too: sleep, eat properly, stay connected and ask for help when you need it.
Questions to ask the crew
- What are some signs a coworker might be struggling?
- How would you start that conversation?
- Does everyone know the helpline number?
- What makes it hard for people on site to talk about this, and how can we change that?
Sign-in sheet
Print this page or download the sign-in sheet. Or run it in the app and the crew signs on the phone.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
Get it signed
Run this talk in the app. The crew signs on your phone and you get a dated attendance record as a PDF.