-
A Close Look At Mental Health and Suicide
February 4, 2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Topic The Minds of Our Industry: A Close Look At Mental Health and Suicide
Mental Health and Suicide in the Construction industry has been a long-avoided topic due to the historically macho mindset of many members of the construction industry. The construction industry is severely impacted by suicide. It is estimated that approximately 5,500 members of the construction industry die by suicide each year, which is over 5 times of workers that die by job related injuries and illnesses.
The session will focus on ways to help those that are struggling with their mental health by exploring the many myths, facts, options, and resources, which includes the following discussion points:
- Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
- Suicide Statistics
- What makes the construction industry more susceptible to mental health challenges?
- Who/ who else is affected?
- Education Options to provide valuable tools to members of our industry
Speaker Robert Labbe, Jr., CSP, Vice President
Robert Labbe serves as Vice President – Risk Engineering Specialist at American Global’s New Jersey office. With over 25 years of experience in construction project management and risk management, Rob focuses on safety, quality, and productivity. He works closely with contractors to develop best practices for health and safety programs.
A passionate advocate for mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry, Rob draws from personal experiences to raise awareness. He supports the industry nationally by speaking at conferences, safety committee meetings, and worker-focused Stand Downs—events where work halts to address critical topics. His engaging approach makes him a sought-after speaker on these vital issues.
Before joining American Global, Rob was a Senior Risk Engineering Consultant for Zurich North America’s Construction Division. Earlier, he held operational roles such as Field Engineer, Superintendent, and Project Manager with prominent civil construction companies on the East Coast. Rob earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He holds several professional certifications, including CSP, ASP, CHST, ARM, and CRIS. Additionally, Rob is the President of the Hudson River Valley Chapter of the ASSP and serves on the board of directors of the Safety Executives of New York.
Sponsored by Construction Practice Specialty and ASSP Hudson River Valley Chapter.