This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988. For more resources, click here.

WISCONSIN — One Wisconsin construction company is putting mental health first in the workplace.

Suicide rates in the construction industry are four times higher than the national average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s something The Boldt Company recognized when it started an employee-led program for mental health in 2021.

The company uses an active approach to support the mental health of its team through an awareness and prevention program.

Shelly Kirkpatrick is an HR business partner at Boldt and also holds the title of “gatekeeper.” She and others in this volunteer role serve as the first point of contact. They facilitate initial conversations with employees looking for mental health support. 

Gatekeepers are also trained to identify the warning signs of suicide and how to help refer individuals to the right resources.

According to the company, over 100 employees have volunteered to become gatekeepers over the past two years.

For Kirkpatrick, this gatekeeper role is personal.

“I have a daughter who struggled with mental health,” said Kirkpatrick.

She said her daughter had thoughts of suicide. Kirkpatrick said she also had a parent who attempted suicide and later got help.

She said having these experiences has made her realize how important it is for people to have a safe space to talk about things — even at work.

“If a parent on one of our construction sites is really struggling because of something happening with a child at home, I could relate to that piece,” she said. “It’s touched so many people across our workplaces, our offices, our communities.”

Watch the full interview above.