There’s a number out there that is pretty remarkable: 65% of construction workers that took their own life sought some sort of medical help within one month prior to the event. As we near the end of Men’s Mental Health Month—recognized every year in the month of June—suicide rates among construction workers are at an Read more
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There’s a number out there that is pretty remarkable: 65% of construction workers that took their own life sought some sort of medical help within one month prior to the event.
As we near the end of Men’s Mental Health Month—recognized every year in the month of June—suicide rates among construction workers are at an alarming level. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 6,000 construction workers died by suicide in 2022. In fact, the CDC found that men working in construction have one of the highest suicide rates by population: their rate of suicide is about four times higher than the general population and is the second-highest rate of all workplace industries at 45 per 100,000.
But why is the suicide rate so much higher in construction than other professions? Fact is, construction is an at-risk population for suicide. “Construction is a perfect storm for a predisposition for depression and suicide,” says Dr. Dan Carlin, MD, Founder and CEO of World Clinic / JobSiteCare, a resource to create safe workplaces and deliver great healthcare on the job.
Mental health is no different than, say, heart disease or diabetes. It is a dissolution of brain tissue. “If you are thinking of killing yourself, your brain is not working in a healthy manner,” says Carlin.
Crescendos and Dislocations
So, throw it back to that stat thrown out at the beginning of this article: Is there any relevance to that, you ask? Well, yes. A connection can be made between injury and suicide. Construction jobs in general can be tough on the body, and for those injuries that happened as a direct result of the work, individuals tend to self-medicate for the chronic pain. And, that can come in the form of prescribed drugs, illicit drugs (opiates, for example) and alcohol. But as the medication wears off, withdrawal sets in and the brain becomes vulnerable, with bad feelings magnified.
“Self-reliance and stoicism form a unique crescendo,” says Carlin. And men, more than women, fall into these characteristics. Especially in a male-dominated industry such as construction, the psychosocial aspect sees men focusing on things, whereas women tend to concentrate on people. Men are programmed to just shake things off in the face of adversity; address challenges in a more stoic nature. “Women are much more aware with other people than men.” says Carlin. “Men normally don’t look to others to talk. Men are more mission-focused—get the job done, on time.”
Often is the case in construction, one works long, rigorous hours, and often times away from family for long stretches of time. New projects arise and those old jobs come to an end—or one leaves one job for another that pays 20% more but loses that support network, which creates physical dislocations, says Carlin, and that usual social network goes away, resulting in less contact with family. Because the work dynamic has changed, this can lead to a dislocation to the family network, which can lead to friction and a sense of heightened vulnerability.
And let’s not forget COVID. “COVID was a tremendous paradox that has driven a lot of this due to social isolation, leading to depression and anxiety,” says Carlin.
Social Acceptance
Are we at a place in time where men in particular are more comfortable talking about mental health? It’s getting to a level of acceptance. “We’ve made a lot of progress but we aren’t all the way there yet. It’s not a sign of weakness. We need to be strong to share enough and aware enough to ask,” says Carlin.
Thomas Young, TY Custom Builders and Motherflushers Plumbing, agrees, saying, “I definitely think it’s more acceptable to talk about it. I think the people that are open about their issues or some of the people that are probably the ones that are dealing with it more than anybody. It shouldn’t be ‘hey, I’m an adult or I’m a man and I’m gonna deal with this on my own.’”
Easier said than done, some of the ways to reduce stress and damaging brain tissue is to cut back, be it work hours or substance abuse. Steps to increase brain health include exercise—which helps relieve stress, burning off anxiety—eating well and having a rhythmic day.
“When I’m overworked/stressed, I will just unplug, perhaps binge watch a show, and reach out to someone that helps bring peace,” says Young.
And that reaching out could include social media. “Social media has helped me create great friends,” says Young. “I have friends that live in different countries and will reach out, which can mean a lot.”
But, as we all know, social media, while supportive in so many ways, can have its negative rabbit holes. “With hateful comments and bullying, it was something that bothered me a lot in the beginning and I’d delete right away, but most the time,” says Young, “I can laugh it off or even engage back and it can help engagement.”
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this. According to Carlin, “The nature of the cure starts at a community level where we need the confidence to ask, ‘how are you doing?’” Carlin says it’s important to establish relationships, and find an opportunity to talk about mental health when the time is right. “We can all learn to be a better listener and share stories about problems we all have as a community. We need to come to an awareness that the solution is us,” says Carlin.
National HVAC Tech Day on June 22nd is the perfect time to acknowledge the dedicated HVAC technicians who work tirelessly to ensure our comfort, often in extreme conditions and challenging environments. This year, Midea, a leading innovator in air treatment solutions, is spotlighting its commitment to the future of the HVAC industry through recent and Read more
National HVAC Tech Day on June 22nd is the perfect time to acknowledge the dedicated HVAC technicians who work tirelessly to ensure our comfort, often in extreme conditions and challenging environments. This year, Midea, a leading innovator in air treatment solutions, is spotlighting its commitment to the future of the HVAC industry through recent and ongoing donations to trade schools and colleges, plus advanced training programs and partnerships aimed at promoting sustainability and technological innovation.
Supporting Career and Technical Education
Midea is dedicated to empowering the next generation of HVAC professionals by educating trade students and donating its advanced heat pump technology to organizations in need, such as the Midea EVOX Central Heat Pump/AHU system with auxiliary heater, Midea IN One-Way Cassette and Midea All Easy Pro High Wall systems.
Institutions like Prosser Career Academy, Chicago Builds, Remington College and Laredo College were exposed to Midea at the 2024 AHR Expo, where Midea participated in a workforce development panel and spoke to over 100 students about career opportunities for technicians and how the professional HVAC landscape is evolving. This initiative led to further collaboration between Midea and these institutions, which were impressed with Midea’s industry expertise and technical leadership. Realizing a need for modern heat pump technology in these training facilities, Midea donated its products at no cost. Now, the donated Midea systems will be used in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes for installation training, Digital Multi-Meter training and visuals throughout multiple units.
Midea is also active on LinkedIn, posting educational content about its own technology and the industry at large, as well as highlighting its efforts to shape the next generation of HVAC technicians.
A Hub for Training and Education
One of the standout facilities that encapsulate Midea’s commitment to education and training is its flagship showroom, training and distribution center in Fresh Meadows, Queens. This facility serves as a dynamic hub for Midea’s sales, training and service operations. Here, contractors and consumers can interact with, learn about and purchase Midea’s full suite of advanced heat pump products. The showroom not only supports sales and installation services but also functions as an educational center, providing heat pump training, technical communications, consumer tours and collaborations with utilities with utilities like Con Edison and PSEG. Additionally, it serves as a meeting spot for architects, interior designers and Con Edison consultants to provide comprehensive consultation solutions for homeowners, solidifying Midea’s role as a leader in the HVAC industry.
The New York showroom hosts training classes almost every weekend that provide contractors with hands-on experience and professional knowledge about high-efficiency heat pump technology applications and installation, as well as regional home energy incentives. This ongoing commitment to training ensures that both new and seasoned HVAC professionals are well-versed in the latest advancements and best practices in the industry. The facility is also open to the public with on-site staff that can explain the technology and its benefits to the layperson.
Midea was recently honored as the designated brand for instruction at the largest professional training school in New York, the Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center. The program kicked off with a full-day training session at Midea’s showroom in Queens.
Midea was chosen for these initiatives due to its advanced heat pump technologies, comprehensive heat pump product line and active involvement in heat pump education. Midea’s cutting-edge products and commitment to advancing the industry make it a trusted partner for institutions and initiatives aiming to promote sustainable HVAC solutions. Midea’s active participation in public education efforts, including speeches at industry events like the AHR Expo and collaboration with various associations, further cements its position as a technical and thought leader in the heat pump industry that is rapidly growing and evolving.
Industry Thought Leadership
Midea participates in key industry events such as the AHR Expo, the PSEG Electrify Long Island Conference and the Urban Future Lab event at NYU Tandon with a focus on supporting heat pump education and adoption. Midea’s leadership, including Senior Product Manager David Rames and CEO of Ai-Midea Air Conditioning Corp., Dr. Wenqing Zhang, have played key speaking roles showcasing the company’s technological advancements and role in technician training. These engagements provide a platform for Midea to promote its innovative products and to emphasize the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability in the HVAC industry in front of important industry figures.
Involvement in Industry Associations
The Midea America Research Center (MARC) team is actively involved in numerous associations that push and establish heat pump adoption standards, including ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), HARDI (Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International) and PHCC (Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association). By contributing educational content for these organizations and exhibiting at their marquee events, Midea contributes to shaping industry standards and promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
Midea’s efforts extend beyond product innovation. The company actively participates in initiatives like the “Clean Heat for All Challenge,” in which it was chosen to provide 20,000 packaged window heat pump units to public housing facilities in New York City. This project supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Midea is also a member of the newly formed Heat Pump Action Team (HEAT), an EPA-led initiative that brings together heat pump manufacturers to promote the training, marketing, sales and promotion of heat pumps. Through these efforts, Midea is not only investing in cutting-edge technology but also supporting educational programs and empowering those who will keep our homes and businesses comfortable for years to come.
Celebrating HVAC Technicians
As we celebrate National HVAC Tech Day, let’s recognize the significant contributions of HVAC technicians. By investing in education, technology and sustainability, Midea is paving the way for a brighter, more efficient future in the HVAC industry.
Partnership between Xylem, Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Water Well Trust brings clean water access to Goldston family Jessica Sales and her three children in Goldston, North Carolina, will have secure access to safe and reliable water next week, thanks to a recent collaborative effort. Xylem Inc., the Water Well Trust (WWT) and Waterboys Read more
Partnership between Xylem, Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Water Well Trust brings clean water access to Goldston family
Jessica Sales and her three children in Goldston, North Carolina, will have secure access to safe and reliable water next week, thanks to a recent collaborative effort. Xylem Inc., the Water Well Trust (WWT) and Waterboys – a charity initiative founded by two-time Super Bowl Champion, Chris Long – provided a comprehensive upgrade with all necessary equipment and installation for drilling a new well and building a pump house. Additionally, project partners contributed by installing a front door screen, placing pavers and planting flowers and shrubs. Local distributor Hughes Supply Pinehurst, well driller W.W. Maness & Sons Inc Well Drilling, pump installer Clearwater Solutions and the Vinyl Institute, which donated PVC piping material, all donated their time and services to complete the project.
“Being involved in this project to provide the Sales family with reliable water access is incredibly meaningful for us. As a family business that’s been around since 1950, we take great pride in giving back to our community,” said Chris Maness, W.W. Maness & Sons Inc Well Drilling. “This project highlights the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to clean water, especially in areas where it can be difficult to find. We’re dedicated to using our expertise to make a positive impact. Having our entire team on-site ensures that we can get the job done right to support this family in need.”
Sales is a certified nursing assistant working at two hospitals and single mother of three. Prior to the well upgrades, she experienced a severe water shortage due to the failure of their home’s 38-year-old well, drilled in 1986. Despite multiple repairs, the well continued to run dry every morning since Sales first purchased the property in 2021. As a result, the family, including Devan (17), Asia (14) and Jayviann (6), struggled to meet their daily needs with only 30 jugs of water on hand, insufficient for basic hygiene and laundry. This crisis was especially challenging as one of Sales’ children has epilepsy, requiring consistent care, and making their life increasingly difficult without a reliable water source.
“After being in the house for a month or so, I started having issues with the water going out and the well running dry. My family and I have been struggling, sometimes having water and other times going weeks without it. We’ve had to rely on friends and family for basic needs like showering, laundry and washing dishes,” said Sales, WWT beneficiary. “The support from the Chris Long Foundation and partners is a tremendous blessing that has lifted a huge burden off our shoulders. We are incredibly grateful.”
The Sales family’s well upgrade marks the 17th HometownH2O project, an extension of its domestic water initiative working alongside WWT and Xylem to provide clean, sustainable water to communities in need. Water scarcity issues currently leave more than 2.2 million Americans without access to clean water, making this joint effort between Long, his Foundation’s Waterboys initiative and Xylem a vital resource for families across the country.
“Being on-site and witnessing the transformation that clean water access brings to the Sales family is truly inspiring. At Xylem, our mission is to solve water challenges and partnering with the Water Well Trust and the Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys initiative enables us to do just that,” said Susan O’Grady, senior director of marketing, building services and agriculture, Xylem. “Seeing the relief and gratitude of the Sales family reinforces the importance of our work and motivates us to continue bringing sustainable water solutions to those in need.”
“Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental right that no family should have to go without. Our collaboration with Xylem, Water Well Trust and other partners on this project has been incredibly rewarding,” said Chris Long, founder of the Chris Long Foundation. “Seeing the positive impact it has on the Sales family reinforces our commitment to bringing lasting water solutions to those in need. Through our HometownH2O program, we are changing lives here at home, one well at a time.”
Xylem, in conjunction with its Goulds Water Technology brand, is engaged in regular water well initiatives to provide secure water access to rural areas, striving to increase public awareness of the challenges surrounding lack of water access. For more information about the Chris Long Foundation’s HometownH2O projects, visit waterboys.org/hometown.
Service Experts is proud to announce their partnership with Military Makeover with Montel® on Lifetime TV. Military Makeover, a home improvement series, celebrates military families through home makeovers across the country. “We are grateful to play a small part in the meaningful work being completed by the Military Makeover team,” said Service Experts Chief Operating Read more
Service Experts is proud to announce their partnership with Military Makeover with Montel® on Lifetime TV. Military Makeover, a home improvement series, celebrates military families through home makeovers across the country.
“We are grateful to play a small part in the meaningful work being completed by the Military Makeover team,” said Service Experts Chief Operating Officer Cary Reed. “Many of our Service Experts employees are veterans themselves, and we are committed to supporting the military community through our ongoing partnerships with programs like Hiring Our Heroes. Being a part of the Military Makeover mission gives us another way to serve this community.”
Military Makeover is led by talk show legend and military advocate Montel Williams, a veteran of both the Military Makeover with Montel. The show enlists conscientious designers, contractors, landscapers and other home improvement professionals to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country.
“We are thankful for the partnership of Service Experts and look forward to working with them to provide comfortable and safe homes,” said EVP of Programming, Jack Schwartz. “Their wide array of offerings will allow us to make these deserving families feel right at home.”
“For our part in the makeovers, we will be providing the families with anything they need to transform their home into a haven of comfort, well-being and energy efficiency,” said Reed. Service Experts, which has over with 98 locations across the country, is the leading provider of total home comfort in the U.S. HVAC installation and repair, plumbing, connected home automations and solar energy solutions are just a few of the services the company provides. “Our team will address each family’s individual needs to determine how we can help transform their home,” said Reed. “We look forward to giving this gift of total home comfort to these deserving families.”
Military Makeover with Montel® will premiere later this year on Lifetime TV.
Mechanical Hub recently caught up with the HammerHead Trenchless team at its St. Louis stop on the HammerHead Road Tour 2024. There, around 35 contractors took in this “lunch and learn”-type setting to get more acquainted with HammerHead product and service offerings. Right from the jump, there was a high priority on safety. “Safety is Read more
The St. Louis Road Tour host, Jeff Urbanski.
Mechanical Hub recently caught up with the HammerHead Trenchless team at its St. Louis stop on the HammerHead Road Tour 2024. There, around 35 contractors took in this “lunch and learn”-type setting to get more acquainted with HammerHead product and service offerings. Right from the jump, there was a high priority on safety. “Safety is the foundation of everything we do,” says Jeff Urbanski, senior manager, training and marketing with HammerHead—and our trenchless professor for the day.
Of interest to the Mechanical Hub team were the three live demos—assisted by Thomas Davies, application specialist—which started with CIPP point repairs, which included the point repair process with a standard packer wrapped in fiberglass coated in resin inserted into a PVC DWV pipe.
Thomas Davies prepares the standard packer wrapped in a resin-coated fiberglass sheath.
Next, the group ventured outside to watch the lateral clay pipe bursting demo— initiated by Nate Hrabosky, regional sales manager and assisted by Davies—using HammerHead’s PortaBurst PB30 machine. The rugged PortaBurst system replaces 2 to 6″ lateral pipes with up to 30-tons of pulling force.
And saving perhaps the best for last, attendees get to see Hammerhead’s proprietary BlueLight LED CIPP lining system in full effect. The Bluelight LED CIPP lining system for laterals and small drain pipes is the most advanced light-curing system available. The LED light head up to five times faster than other methods. The specially formulated resin only cures under light in the “blue” wavelength, giving installers a significantly longer working time between liner wet-out and curing. Once installed, the automated curing system pulls the LED light head through the liner, curing the resin almost instantly—up to five times faster than other methods. Instead of waiting hours for the liner to cure, a 50-foot sewer line could be fully cured in under 10 minutes.
Nate Hrabosky readies the PortaBurst PB30 machine for a clay pipe bursting demo.
In fact, contractor friend Diego Lujan, president, Alphalete Plumbing Drain & Sewer Rehab (@alphalete_plumbing_drain_sewer), Colorado Springs, Colo., gives high marks for the Bluelight CIPP system. “At Alphalete Plumbing, we absolutely love using the HammerHead Translucent Blue Light CIPP Liner Cure Machine. It’s been a complete game-changer for us,” says Lujan.
“The speed and efficiency this machine delivers are unparalleled, making pipeline repairs easier, more reliable, and environmentally friendly. We can’t imagine using anything else—it’s forever our go-to for trenchless technology.”
Urbanski discusses BlueLight’s diagnostics and intuitive touchscreen interface, which is easy to learn and operate. Simply input the job specs and the system will automatically set pull-back speed.
The Road Tour is a great way to get up close and personal with HammerHead products. Nonetheless, the team is equally as excited to get on job sites across the country as well. “We love being on job sites, and we love solving problems,” says Urbanski.
Be sure to check out HammerHead on the road.
Remaining HammerHead Road Tour
• Raleigh, N.C. — July 16
• Des Moines, Iowa — July 23
• Salt Lake City — August 27
• Lake Mills, Wis. — More info coming soon!