Local 153 Stands United
Suicide Prevention in Construction Week 2025
From September 8–12, 2025, the Pierce County roofing community demonstrated that safety extends far beyond hard hats and harnesses. Local 153 members and apprentices in the Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship Program joined thousands of construction workers nationwide in recognizing Suicide Prevention in Construction Week—a powerful reminder that mental health is just as critical to jobsite safety as any protective equipment.
A Moment of Unity and Remembrance
The week culminated on September 8 with a nationwide stand-down and moment of silence to honor the lives lost to suicide in the construction industry. At Wayne's Roofing in Sumner, WA, apprentices and journeyworkers gathered shoulder to shoulder in a moving display of solidarity. This powerful scene—repeated across countless jobsites—captured the heart of what Local 153 and the Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship Program work to build every day: a community where no one faces their struggles alone.
Opening Conversations That Matter
In the days leading up to the stand-down, Business Manager Richard and Training Director Racheal Geyer visited training agent shops throughout Pierce County. These visits weren't just ceremonial—they opened vital conversations about mental health, encouraged members to reach out for support, and reminded everyone of their responsibility to check in on their peers.
The message was reinforced through banners, pledge drives, and toolbox talks that emphasized a simple but powerful truth: mental health deserves the same attention and protection we give to physical safety on the jobsite.
Building a Culture of Care
Local 153's participation in Suicide Prevention in Construction Week reflects the union's ongoing commitment to protecting members' well-being in every aspect. Just as the Pierce County Roofers Apprenticeship Program teaches technical skills and safety procedures, it also works to foster a culture where workers look out for one another.
This initiative serves as a reminder that true safety encompasses the whole person. When we stand together—as the crews did on September 8—we create something more than just a workplace. We build a community that ensures every member has the support they need, both on and off the roof.
The construction industry faces unique mental health challenges, but events like Suicide Prevention in Construction Week show that together, we can build something stronger: a culture of care that protects every worker who helps build our communities.
