In this episode on suicide prevention in construction, Brian Winningham shares a poem that he wrote about life in the construction industry titled Temporary Fence Panels. In the poem, Brian captures perfectly what it’s like to work on a construction project site. Before you know it, the day is gone and you haven’t even started your own personal work. Staying until late in the night, and then you realize a problem on the job site that you must solve before you can go home!
Suicide Prevention in Construction
The OG Lean Builder, Buddy Brumley, shares his own experience of working in the construction industry for a long time without succumbing to heart attacks, alcoholism, substance abuse, or divorce. This is seen as an anomaly, with the other speakers referring to him as a “unicorn.” Buddy’s story highlights the importance of self-care in a high-stress industry like construction, where many individuals may struggle with mental health issues and unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Buddy discusses the challenges of finding time for self-care, particularly when work consumes a significant amount of time and energy. He admits to not having any hobbies and using his time off to recharge for the next week. However, he recognizes the need to hold himself accountable and make time for self-care, even if it means learning new ways of managing his schedule. The speakers also acknowledge the role of support from others in encouraging and reminding individuals to prioritize self-care.
Overall, the episode emphasizes the significance of self-care in reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being. It highlights the challenges faced in prioritizing self-care in a demanding industry like construction, but also emphasizes the benefits that can be gained from making self-care a priority.
ABOUT HOOTS ON THE GROUND PODCAST:
The Lean Builder’s absolutely, positively NO Bullshido podcast. Join Host Adam Hoots and his guests as they dig deep into the topics that are relevant to those of us who “get it”: the men and women with the dirty boots, the ones who work in the field, doing the hands-on business of construction each day. Listen in as we keep it real while stories from the trenches are shared along with lessons learned and some laughter along the way.
RESOURCE LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- theleanbuilder.com | Our main blog, book, resources, news & events website
- http://www.constructionsuicideprevention.org/
- National Suicide Prevention Line = 988 (Call or text!)
- Temporary Fence Panels (rangerwinnie.com)
GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Adam Hoots | linkedin.com/in/adam-hoots-4645519/ | podcast host for “Hoots on the Ground” and Lean Construction Shepherd with ConstructionACHEsolutions
- Brian Winningham | https://www.linkedin.com/in/fielddrivenlean/ | Owner of Field Driven Lean and Author of Ranger Winnie
- Julie Dolan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedolan/ | Core Team Member with LCI Ohio Valley CoP and Lean Practice Leader with SSOE Group
- Buddy Brumley | https://www.linkedin.com/in/buddy-brumley-704b1454/ | Senior Superintendent with Skiles Group
Adam Hoots, Construction ACHE Solutions
Adam began his career in the construction industry as a plumber's helper and then as a red-line architect’s helper while attending the University of South Florida. Over the past 20 years, he has steadily advanced his career and has held a variety of roles within the industry. Adam has successfully completed more than $1.5 billion in pre-construction and construction services for a diverse group of industries, including: healthcare, higher education, industrial, life science, retail, and hospitality. Most projects (~$1B) were in life sciences and high-tech laboratory construction for clients. A highly technical builder, Adam excels in efficiency, action, visual communication, and continuous improvement using Lean principles. He serves on several community boards, including Skilled Trades Alliance (www.skilledtradesalliance.net), kidSney (www.kidSney.org), National Kidney Foundation (www.nkf.org), RECAB (Regional Education Center for Advisory Board - Greenville, SC) and SC Career Kids (www.sccareerkids.com). Adam is proud to continue his service to the construction industry through his coaching business Construction ACHE Solutions.
