Traditionally, risk control efforts in the construction industry focus on physical harm. The IBEAM program addresses psychological safety, offering comprehensive virtual training at all levels of the workforce, enhancing core competencies related to mental health and suicide prevention and building life-saving skills.
Introduction
A confluence of factors and issues have resulted in the construction industry having among the highest suicide rates of all occupations. Contributing factors include:
- Occupational culture of the industry
- Transient nature of the workforce with no connection to workplace community
- Substance abuse originating from pain management
- Demographic make-up of the construction industry
- Physically demanding and dangerous work
- Accessibility to lethal means
By applying the same mentality into psychological safety and wellbeing, safety professionals can help create an environment which:
- Creates a culture in which workers are comfortable to initiate a dialogue about their personal issues
- Breaks through the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health
- Enables communication on the topic with the labor force and makes it a subject for safety meetings and company communications
- Facilitates leadership in setting the tone on this issue by making suicide prevention a health and safety priority
- Supports employers in ensuring that suicide prevention resources are accessible and that personnel are trained in suicide intervention skills
IBEAM Program
IBEAM (Ideal Body Environment And Mind) is a mental health and suicide prevention program for the construction industry developed by SAVE in partnership with WTW. The program employs a virtual format for skill-building across different organizational levels and features a tiered approach: the IBEAM Executive MicroLearning Session, which educates senior leadership on the issue of suicide in the construction industry so they can take action within their own company; the IBEAM Supervisor training, an online course designed to equip managers with essential skills in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention; and the IBEAM Workforce Educational Video Series, which provides educational videos for all employees to enhance awareness of topics related to mental health, wellness, and suicide prevention. Together, these components aim to create a more informed, supportive, and resilient workplaces with the ultimate goal of reducing suicide rates in the construction industry.
IBEAM Executive
The IBEAM Executive MicroLearning Session is for principals, owners, and senior stakeholders, focusing on the pivotal role these leaders play in shaping organizational culture. This 15-minute educational learning session emphasizes the critical importance of driving a supportive and inclusive culture that prioritizes the mental health, suicide prevention, and well-being of employees. Throughout the session, executives learn more about the IBEAM program and strategies. This proactive approach not only supports individual employee well-being but also fortifies the organization’s resilience and reputation.
IBEAM Supervisor
The IBEAM Supervisor training is an online, self-paced course specifically tailored for foremen, managers, supervisors, and human resources professionals. This training is structured to help these key personnel develop a fundamental competency in three critical areas: suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. By empowering leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address and manage mental health crises within their teams, the course aims to create safer, more responsive work environments. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of mental distress, implement timely interventions, and provide necessary support after a crisis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to workplace mental health.
IBEAM Workforce
The IBEAM Workforce program consists of a suite of educational videos that cater to all levels of the workforce, designed to enhance general awareness of mental health issues and to facilitate self-recognition by individuals who may be in crisis or at risk. The use of educational videos in an online format ensures that these critical resources are available on-demand, allowing employees to access this vital information at their convenience. This approach is particularly effective in breaking down the stigma associated with mental health discussions in the workplace, as it provides a flexible option where HR or safety personnel can implement in multiple ways to meet learners where they are at. By building a foundational understanding of the core principles of the program, employees are better prepared to recognize signs of mental distress in themselves or others, fostering a more supportive and proactive workplace environment. Videos and accompany materials are available in English and Spanish (Spanish coming soon!)