The deadliest threat in the trades isn’t always on the job. Host Dr. Kevin Rindal sits down with Jenny Lavin, founder of Union Care Solutions, to tackle the overlooked crisis of suicide and overdose—the “Fatal Fifth” in construction and utilities. They discuss how long hours, travel, and a “tough guy” culture contribute to mental health struggles, and how peer support, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), and connected crews can save lives. Jenny shares practical strategies for leaders and teammates to check in, build trust, and implement sustainable mental wellness solutions through her Train, Mobilize, Deploy model.

Discover how connection and care can protect the people who keep our world running.

THE LISTENER TAKEAWAYS

• The Hidden Crisis: Suicide and overdose now outpace on-the-job deaths in construction and utilities, becoming the new "Fatal Fifth."

• Trade Pressures: Long travel, time away from family, and constant work stress take a toll on mental health and contribute to substance misuse.

• Barriers to Help: “Man up” culture, limited PTO, and fear of job loss prevent workers from seeking support.

• Peer Support Matters: Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and peer-to-peer programs build psychologically safe, resilient crews.

• Connection is Protection: Leaders and team members can take practical steps to check in on one another, making vulnerability a strength.

• Strength in Support: Mental wellness thrives when help is available- at work, at home, and in the community.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Welcome to WorkReady

01:26 Meet Jenny Lavin

04:07 Pressures Facing Frontline Workers

08:45 The Fatal Fifth: Mental Health in the Trades

15:57 Barriers to Seeking Help

21:40 The Link Between Physical Pain, Opioids, and Addiction

27:24 Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing

33:43 Training and Certification for CISM

36:49 Recognizing and Addressing Warning Signs

41:30 Building a Connected Crew

44:53 The Mission of Union Care Solutions

50:14 Steps to Implementing Mental Health Support

CONNECT

Connect with Dr. Kevin Rindal

• WorkReady Hub: https://www.kevinrindal.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinrindal/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workready_Kevin
• Subscribe to Field Notes: https://www.kevinrindal.com/podcast-page

Connect with Jenny Lavin

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lavin-ccism-50022b321/
• Union Care Solutions: https://www.unioncaresolutions.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/union_care_solutions/
• Email: jlavin@unioncaresolutions.org
• Learn more about CISM: ICISF.org

RESOURCES

• WorkReady Podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkReadyPodcast
• Vimocity Workforce Readiness Platform: http://vimocity.com
• WorkReady Community (FREE): https://vimocity.circle.so

🎉 SPONSORS

• Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform http://vimocity.com

• Vimocity Community (FREE for field pros) https://login.circle.so/sign_in?request_host=vimocity.circle.so