September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This week, September 8–14, Catamount joins peers across the country in recognizing Construction Suicide Prevention Week. In construction, where long hours, high expectations, and financial pressures weigh heavily, the industry faces one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. That’s why suicide prevention in construction has to be part of how we define safety. For Dan Medaglia, Catamount’s Director of Safety, that reality underscores a simple truth: safety has to go beyond equipment and technical training.
“Safety isn’t just about preventing accidents, it’s about protecting people,” Dan shares. “That means being willing to check in with one another, not just when it’s about the work, but when it’s about life.”
Suicide Prevention in Construction Means Looking Out for Each Other
Protecting our Catamount team and project partners goes beyond preventing accidents; it means noticing when someone might be struggling and checking in. In construction, a brief conversation on the jobsite, in a meeting, or in passing can make a meaningful difference. Those everyday moments are where suicide prevention in construction begins.
Our Chief People Officer, Emily Livorsi, has seen this firsthand. “When we truly take the time to listen, not just hear, we connect,” she says. “And that connection can be the difference between someone feeling seen or alone.” She reminds us that safety in its truest form requires each of us to lead with courage. To lead with courage is to learn about mental health, to step into uncomfortable conversations, and to intervene when someone may be at risk. Real safety, especially in construction, means having the courage to notice the quiet signals and respond with care.
Dan approaches mental health the same way he approaches physical safety, through steady, intentional progress. “Commitment to safety is about taking small steps over and over again,” he explains. “When it comes to mental health, those steps might look like asking a question, noticing a change, or following up after a tough day. Over time, those small actions create real impact.”
In the field, Assistant Superintendent Yvette Roche frequently discusses project coordination and scheduling limitations with her teams. But she draws a parallel to the people behind the work. “We also need to talk about life limits,” she shares. “Knowing when to pause, to ask, to say ‘I’m not okay today.’ That’s strength.” It’s a perspective that reframes vulnerability, not as a weakness, but as part of being a strong and dependable teammate.
In the office, Project Manager and Wellness Committee Chair Dillon Lawrence approaches safety from a human perspective. While he spends much of his day focused on planning materials, labor, and timelines, he never loses sight of the people acting on the plans. “The most important part of the plans?” he asks. “Whether someone on your team needs a moment, a conversation, or a check-in.” For Dillon, supporting mental health isn’t an add-on; it’s how he leads and fosters a culture where everyone looks out for one another.
From leadership to the field to the office, these voices echo the same truth: safety is not just about physical hazards. It’s about being aware of each other’s limits, listening without judgment, and showing up when it matters most.
How We Can All Help
You don’t need to be a mental health expert to support suicide prevention in construction. Often, the most meaningful step is the simplest: asking, “How are you, really?”
Here are a few ways you can support a teammate:
• Notice changes: withdrawal, mood shifts, or increased risk-taking.
• Start the conversation: check in with honesty and without judgment.
• Share resources: remind teammates they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available:
• Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
• Visit the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention at preventconstructionsuicide.com.
Leading with Courage: Safety Beyond the Visible
At Catamount, being 100% employee-owned means we look out for one another not only on the jobsite, but in every aspect of life. Ownership brings shared responsibility for safety and well-being, and that foundation drives our commitment to mental health awareness. Through our Wellness Committee, expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources, peer groups like Women for Catamount, and ongoing training and workshops, we’ve built a culture where it’s safe to speak up, seek help, and support each other.
Construction is demanding, and the quiet struggles aren’t always visible. That’s why we encourage our employee-owners, partners, and industry peers to lead with courage by noticing the signs, starting the conversation, and stepping in when someone may be at risk. Suicide prevention in construction starts with these everyday moments of connection. Real safety means making sure no one faces challenges alone.