SPFA Launches Campaign to Prevent Suicide and Substance Abuse in Construction Industry

STAFFORD, Va. — The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) announced a partnership with Cal Beyer, CWP and CSDZ to provide key education and resources to both spray foam and construction industry participants on suicide and substance abuse prevention.

Fueled in part by ongoing stressors including the pandemic, as well as the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) assessment of the construction industry having the second highest rate of suicide in the United States at 53.3 per 100,000 workers, the SPFA Board of Directors initiated its campaign to assist the industry. As part of the program, the SPFA on Nov. 18 will host an informative webinar led by Beyer, which will be accessible at no cost to all in the construction industry.

"As a leading construction trade association, we are acutely aware of both the suicide and substance abuse issues that plague our industry," said Rick Duncan, executive director of the SPFA. "As the COVID-19 pandemic, building materials shortages and regular everyday challenges continue to negatively impact business and workers, it is increasingly imperative that organizations like ours provide key resources to members and the industry at-large."

Beyer is vice president of workforce risk and worker wellbeing for CSDZ, a Holmes Murphy Company. Beyer was instrumental in the launch of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He serves on the executive committee for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Expert Advisory Group for the Center for Workplace Mental Health.

On Nov. 18 from 1–2 p.m. EST, Beyer will deliver a one-hour webinar entitled, "Shining Light on Mental Health & Suicide Prevention.” The live webinar is open to all construction industry members and will be recorded and made easily accessible for later viewing. The webinar is part of the SPFA’s larger campaign providing key resources and information to help prevent suicide and substance abuse within the industry.

To access the SPFA’s full resources on suicide and substance abuse prevention, which includes statistics, supportive organizations, articles, tool box talks, national hotline information and much more, visit sprayfoam.org/content.asp?admin=Y&contentid=400.

Click here to register for the Nov. 18 webinar.