NUCA Supports Industry Mental Health Support Legislation

The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) issued the following statement by NUCA Vice President of Safety & Education Ed DeNeale supporting the “Constructing the Path to Suicide Prevention Act” (S. 5327), introduced by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV):

“NUCA strongly supports Sen. Cortez Masto’s ‘Constructing the Path to Suicide Prevention Act’ because we have seen too many good people in our industry struggle in silence. Suicide is a heartbreaking crisis for utility construction workers and their families. Construction workers experience one of the highest suicide rates of any industry, accounting for nearly one-fifth of industry-coded suicides even though these employees make up only about seven percent of the nation’s workforce.

“The long hours, physical demands, financial pressures, and limited access to mental health support take a real toll, and too often the stigma keeps good people from reaching out for help. Suicide remains a devastating crisis in the construction industry and deserves the attention of Congress.

“This legislation takes a vital first step by authorizing a comprehensive Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study to identify the specific risk factors affecting construction workers and develop policy recommendations to guide effective prevention programs. Better data on employment stability, substance use, healthcare access, and available support services can help policymakers and industry leaders develop more effective strategies to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues and save lives.

“NUCA urges Congress to swiftly pass S. 5327. Our industry’s employees build America’s critical infrastructure every day wearing protective equipment to prevent bodily injury—they also deserve the tools and support to protect their own mental well-being.”