MCAA & Alliance Partners Suicide Prevention Webinar Recording Available

September 15, 2023

Studies show that suicide is killing workers in the construction industry at five times the rate of work-related injuries like falls and struck-by incidents. And it’s killing them in all parts of the industry – including upper management. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to why this is happening nor is there an easy fix, but in many cases deaths from suicide CAN be prevented when we push mental health stigma aside and help one another. MCAA and our Alliance partners explored the topic during a September 13, 2023, webinar. This is one recording you won’t want to miss – you could help save a life!

MCAA and our Alliance partners at CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) partnered to present the webinar.

During the event, a representative from NASCAR driver Daniel Dye’s race team and the Race to Stop Suicide participated in a conversation about real issues affecting us every day and ways to spot signs of depression or feelings of hopelessness in colleagues, employees, and loved ones.

Panelists shared their own experiences with mental health, engaging in suicide prevention activities in the workplace, and breaking down barriers in an industry that does not always welcome conversations about feelings. Employers and other attendees walked away with ideas to help reduce stigma and save lives and a toolbox of mental health resources for the construction industry.

Meet the Panel

Moderator:

  • Chris Trahan Cain, CIH, Executive Director, CPWR

Panelists:

  • Raffi F. Elchemmas, Executive Director, Safety, Health and Risk Management, MCAA
  • Alexander M. Kopp, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, TAUC
  • Daniel Dye, NASCAR Driver
  • Randy Dye, Chairman, Race to Stop Suicide
  • Kevin Striegle, Manager, Daniel Dye Racing
  • Justin Crandol, MS, CSP, ARM, CRIS, Director of Safety, SMACNA
  • Wesley L. Wheeler, SMS, CESCP, Executive Director of Safety, NECA

See a Brand-New Video from MILWAUKEE TOOL

In addition to the panel discussion, the webinar featured a brand-new video on overcoming suicidal thoughts from Justin Azbill, National EH&S Director at MILWAUKEE TOOL, an MCAA member company.

Related Articles
Welcome to Inside MCAA, The Blueprint to Mechanical Contracting, the podcast dedicated to unveiling the strategies and resources that power success within the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Hosted by renowned Customer Experience Coach and NEI Instructor Frank Favaro, each episode dives deep into the wealth of educational tools, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that define MCAA.…
Registration is now open for two impactful labor relations events taking place consecutively in Las Vegas this October—designed to strengthen negotiation skills, improve labor-management collaboration, and advance our industry together. The back-to-back MCAA Collective Bargaining Conference and UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference offer a unique opportunity to develop aligned strategies, share perspectives, and build stronger labor-management relationships across the mechanical industry.…
Each year, thousands of workers suffer from heat illness while working in high temperatures, direct sun, and humid conditions; dozens even die. MCAA's Heat Stress resources, alongside those from our partners at OSHA, CNA, and MILWAUKEE TOOL, provide strategies and tips for protecting those workers. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.…
Mark your calendars for the 2025 MSCA Education Conference, November 9–12 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. This year’s theme, Transform, challenges us to rethink how we inspire teams within our organizations while still being leaders and advancing the industry. In addition to our in-depth education sessions and conference-favorite peer-to-peer discussion roundtables, we have a great line up of keynote speakers. Registration opens June 18th.…
Load More...