RK Recognized for Making Suicide Prevention a Health and Safety Priority

One of Colorado’s Healthiest Large Employers Tackles Mental Health Issues Head On

Did you know that Colorado is consistently among the top ten states for highest suicide rates, and, that the construction industry is among the top ten industries for suicide? Significant mental distress in the construction trade is almost twice as high as the general male population and often tied to chronic pain and substance abuse. One Colorado construction company has decided to face this daunting issue head on and lead the nation in elevating the conversation on mental wellness and suicide prevention in a “tough guy” climate.

RK, just acknowledged last year by the Denver Business Journal as one of Colorado’s Healthiest Large Employers, knows that investing in the mental health of employees creates a safer, more resilient – and ultimately more productive workforce. Because of this priority, RK is taking a lead role the effort for suicide prevention in their company, in Colorado and for the construction industry nationwide.  In a collaborative partnership with the Carson J Spencer Foundation (CJSF),  a Denver-based nonprofit and national leader in innovation in suicide prevention, RK began implementing a comprehensive approach for suicide prevention internally.  Soon RK will co-publish a national blueprint for suicide prevention and mental health among the trades with the CJSF and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.  RK kicked off this campaign for its male-dominated workforce by using an innovative approach called “Man Therapy” with the tag line “You Can’t Fix Your Mental Health with Duct Tape” during National Suicide Prevention Week last September. This summer they are recognized with the “Corporate Shooting Star” award by CJSF for leading their industry in suicide prevention efforts. The award will be given at the 2015 “Shining Lights of Hope Gala” on August 27^th at Wings Over the Rockies. More information about the event here: http://carsonjspencer.org/events/gala/

Jon Kinning, COO of RK, said “RK has seen how the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s work makes a difference in people’s lives. Based RK’s improved understanding of what’s required to help prevent suicide, we counseled several of our own workers and pointed them to resources that helped them get back on track. RK is committed to leading the construction industry by encouraging a cultural shift that allows employees to be heard—and helped.”

“Seeing RK’s bold leadership is inspiring,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. “Being proactive with suicide and mental health challenges is critical – we can’t wait for tragedy to strike. Employers like RK who are taking the initiative to implement life-saving policies, trainings and programs are making great strides in creating suicide-safer workplaces for their employees and their employee’s families.”

Over the past 12 months, RK: 

• Distributed “Man Therapy” campaign material at all job sites (www.ManTherapy.org).
• Educated employees about suicide prevention – what to look for and how to respond
• Hosted focus groups and gathered survey data to better understand the company’s mental health profile.
• Encouraged employees to self-screen for depression, anger, anxiety and substance abuse.
• Designed RK Wellness and Benefit programs to support mental health.

A video of Jon Kinning talking about RK’s efforts in making suicide prevention a workplace wellness focus can be accessed here:  https://youtu.be/4FVURylcfsM

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About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. Our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide

About RK

RK is the Rocky Mountain Region’s top supplier of mechanical, fabrication and service solutions for construction, industrial and commercial clients. With two locations in Denver and Henderson, Colorado that span 24 acres, we offer more than 155,000 square feet of leading-edge fabrication facilities. Our team of over 1,000 employees, and our six integrated business units (Mechanical, Service, Steel, Energy, Water and Electrical) make RK Colorado’s largest single source for mechanical contracting, manufacturing, steel fabrication, prefabricated construction, facilities maintenance services, electrical expertise and water treatment solutions. We’re recognized for quality and safety: RK is ISO 9001:2008, ASME and AISC Certified and has attained top-level OSHA accreditations. RK is a family-owned, Colorado-based firm that has grown since its humble beginnings over half a century ago into one of the region’s fast growing companies. For more information, call 303.901.0400 or visit rkmi.com.