The Boldt Co. opens conversation about suicide awareness

A construction company that started its own suicide prevention and mental health awareness program obtained proclamations from Milwaukee County and the city for construction industry suicide prevention. 

The Boldt Co. started its own Gatekeeper program based off the QPR Institute‘s curriculum in 2021 and has a peer group of around 80 company members trained to talk to others struggling with mental health, vice president and general manager John Huggett said. The members are trained to question, persuade and refer people who are suffering from mental health challenges. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed a proclamation for Construction Industry Suicide Prevention Day to take place on Sept. 27. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley signed a separate proclamation Sept. 9 recognizing mental health professionals who worked for the county. 

Construction was one of five industry groups with higher suicide rates than other major industries and occupations, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed. More than 15 suicides a day are reported for industry employees, and around 80% of workers don’t treat their mental health conditions due to stigmas, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin said in a statement.  

At Boldt, Gatekeepers are the first in line to recognize workers struggling with mental health through conversations and suggesting employees seeking professional mental health services, Huggett said. The need for the program stemmed out of the pandemic as some industry members had to isolate while on-site workers faced extra pressure in an already demanding workplace. Now, mental health awareness is considered a component of safety on the job. 

“Construction as a profession is exceedingly rewarding, as it improves society and how we work and play,” Huggett said. “But the industry is project focused, and projects begin and end. Construction workers must develop connections at sites and move onto different projects often.” 

Working in a male-dominated industry can create a culture of grittiness and mental strength needed to push through challenging situations, but that can also make it tougher to have conversations about mental health.

“The program creates greater awareness to destigmatize the conversation, to say it’s OK to ask for help,” Huggett added. 

On the job or in the office, Gatekeepers wear purple stickers on their helmets or on their door to signal they’re safe people to talk to. Trained members carry business cards as well. Huggett said people who become Gatekeepers have a desire to help, a listening ear and are approachable. In the company, members meet on a regular basis to share stories and be a support network to one another. 

The training helped members who had to deal with problems outside the company, Huggett said. One person at a remote office shared a story where they had to use the training at home.

“They’re grateful for the information they received, because it gave one of their family members the assistance they needed,” he added. 

While other companies have called Boldt to learn more about the program, Huggett said the QPR Institute has more information and a curriculum.