S2E9: The Opioid Epidemic in Construction with Cal Beyer

Building Builders

*Note: Cal was still with Holmes Murphy & Associates when we recorded this episode. He is now working at the SAFE Project.

Cal Beyer is a well-respected advocate for mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. On top of that, he has also conducted a ton of research on drug addiction in construction, with a big focus on opioid addiction. He has won several awards and has been recognized countless times for his work.

Cal is the Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces for the national nonprofit SAFE Project (SAFE stands for Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic). In this role, Cal is a catalyst, advocate, and a force multiplier to educate, equip, and empower leaders and organizations to address the root causes of addiction and to amplify their voices and actions to promote successful solutions in workplaces.

In this episode, Kevin and Cal break down several topics and issues surrounding the opioid epidemic in construction. These include:

• The rise of opioid-related deaths on construction sites (1:00)
• Why it's hard to control and address the opioid crisis in construction (7:00)
• Taking a person-centered approach to the opioid epidemic (17:00)
• Where the problem starts and how we can start to understand the problem (22:00)
• What people need to know about using opioids in the long term (30:00)

We understand that this topic may be difficult for many people. Many construction workers know someone who has lost their life to drug addiction or suicide. We are hopeful that this episode provides additional context on how people struggle with addiction and mental health so that you can be a resource and ally in future situations. We have also included additional resources below if needed.

Additional Resources

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

OSHA: Preventing Suicides in Construction

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services for more information. Or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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About Cal

Cal's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvinbeyer/

About SAFE Project: https://www.safeproject.us/

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