"Hope is just as contagious, if not more so. If you can see that Joe got help and Joe's like me, it makes it a lot less daunting to ask for help." — Wendy Farmer

Construction is one of the most safety-driven industries in North America — yet one of the most significant risks facing our workforce often goes unaddressed: suicide. In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Wendy Farmer and Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas — clinical psychologist, suicide prevention expert, and founder of United Suicide Survivors International — to discuss suicide prevention and mental health in construction, not as an awareness campaign, but as an implementation strategy. The conversation explores evidence-based prevention strategies, peer-driven approaches that work in trade environments, and how to thoughtfully integrate the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline into company safety systems without stigma or fear. Mental health is not separate from safety culture. It is part of it.

Wendy Farmer is a nationally recognized advocate and strategist in suicide prevention and workforce mental health. She works with industry leaders to translate research into practical, scalable systems that protect workers in high-risk professions. Wendy's focus is on implementation — moving organizations beyond awareness messaging into measurable structural change by integrating crisis response, leadership training, peer engagement, and behavioral health into existing safety operations.

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas is a clinical psychologist, internationally recognized suicide prevention expert, and founder of United Suicide Survivors International. With decades of experience advancing evidence-based prevention strategies across workplaces and high-risk industries, she specializes in translating behavioral science into actionable leadership practice — focusing on stigma reduction, upstream prevention models, and building cultures where asking for help is the norm.

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Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Why the construction industry leads the nation in suicide risk
• (03:36) The "blurry Venn diagram" between construction workers and veterans explained
• (06:41) Why awareness campaigns, posters, and toolbox talks aren't actually moving the needle
• (10:09) How peer-to-peer and crew-based approaches create contagious hope on job sites
• (16:26) Why mental health must be an executive-level conversation, not just an HR checkbox
• (20:27) Understanding the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and how to use it before a crisis hits
• (26:46) Psychosocial hazards — the work-related root causes driving distress that leaders can actually control
• (33:50) The one mindset shift every construction leader needs: treat mental health like a heart attack

Why are construction companies considered "low-hanging fruit" for cybercriminals?

Kirk Westwood sits down with Mike Hamilton, founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cyber monitoring for small governments and public utilities. With decades of experience as former Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and managing consultant for Verisign Security, Mike brings real-world threat response expertise to construction leaders. The conversation covers why construction companies are increasingly targeted, the three most common attack vectors, and what "good enough" cybersecurity looks like for organizations without massive IT budgets. Mike emphasizes one critical mindset shift: "The Internet is not a nice place. It's here to sell to you, steal from you and manipulate your opinion." Topics include ransomware mechanics, workforce development, and practical resilience strategies.

Mike Hamilton is the founder of PISCES International, a nonprofit providing no-cost cybersecurity monitoring and threat intelligence to small governments, public utilities, and critical infrastructure organizations. A veteran cybersecurity leader, Mike previously served as Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle and as managing consultant for Verisign Security. Through PISCES, he combines live threat response with workforce development, using real-world data to train the next generation of cyber analysts. His work focuses on making cybersecurity accessible, actionable, and resilient for organizations that lack dedicated IT security teams.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Mike Hamilton on cybersecurity - What cyber risk actually means: the five business outcomes every leader should know
• (08:33) The attacks you don't hear about: persistent access versus quick monetization
• (10:37) When ransomware hits: what it looks like when nothing works
• (15:26) The three ways hackers get in: social engineering, credential abuse, and vulnerability exploitation
• (20:22) The single most important thing business leaders misunderstand about cyber risk
• (27:01) Workforce development crisis: why cyber analysts are the fifth fastest growing job
• (31:33) One mindset shift construction leaders can make tomorrow
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

PISCES International: https://pisces-intl.org/

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

What's the real impact of immigration enforcement on construction sites—and why are a third of contractors already affected?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, to discuss why construction feels more constrained despite strong demand and investment. Ken, widely cited by national and trade media for his economic analysis, helps unpack the market forces creating this paradox—from the low-hire, low-fire environment and regional employment variations to policy uncertainty around tariffs, interest rates, and immigration enforcement. The conversation covers data center and power construction booms, labor cost trends across four different measures, and why the Architecture Billings Index can be misleading. "There are huge parts of construction for which the ABI is a misleading indicator, not a leading indicator," Ken explains, offering practical context for planning in uncertain times.

Ken Simonson is the Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, where he analyzes economic trends affecting the construction industry, including labor markets, costs, regional activity, and investment patterns. Widely cited by national and trade media, Ken is known for translating complex economic data into clear, practical insight for construction leaders. He regularly surveys AGC's 28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters on market conditions, workforce challenges, and policy impacts, providing contractors with data-driven context to navigate an increasingly complex business environment. His economic analysis helps industry leaders make more informed decisions in uncertain markets.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Ken Simonson - the current construction market environment
• (03:54) AGC survey reveals contractor sentiment across 17 construction segments
• (06:30) Breaking down wage increases and labor cost trends
• (09:03) Is there really a labor shortage in construction
• (14:04) Regional variations and which states are leading or lagging
• (18:10) How inflation interest rates and tariffs affect project starts
• (22:29) Immigration enforcement as a major disruptor for construction sites
• (25:14) Why the Architecture Billings Index is a misleading indicator
• (29:24) What leading indicators contractors should watch going forward
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): www.agc.org (28,000+ member companies across 87 chapters nationwide)

American Institute of Archite...

What's the one thing about PPE that could mean the difference between going home and never coming back?

In this powerful episode recorded live at STUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Ike Pritchett, a Kansas City ironworker with Local 10 who survived a catastrophic jobsite accident. Ike shares his journey from starting in construction at 14, through losing his brother Mack in a bridge accident in 2000, to his own near-fatal incident on February 21st when a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull. Thanks to his properly worn helmet, Ike survived and made a remarkable recovery. He now travels the country advocating for safety culture and proper PPE use. As Ike says, "PPE only works if you wear it correctly." His story reminds us that safety decisions aren't abstract—they're the difference between going home or not.

Ike Pritchett is a Kansas City-based ironworker and construction safety advocate with Local 10 Ironworkers. Since joining the union in 1999 (book #1263430), Ike has built bridges and infrastructure across the region, working for companies like Clarkson Construction. After surviving a catastrophic jobsite accident in which a come-along struck him in the face, crushing his skull, Ike has become a powerful voice for proper PPE use and safety culture. He travels the country sharing his firsthand account of how modern protective equipment—worn correctly—saved his life, inspiring construction professionals to prioritize safety on every job.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Ike Pritchett – ironworker at 14, joined Local 10 in 1999
• (06:25) The devastating loss of Ike's brother Mack in a bridge accident and why he stayed in the trade
• (13:05) How safety culture in construction has evolved since the 2000s
• (29:30) The day everything changed: Ike describes his last memory before the accident
• (32:19) What his crew witnessed and how they responded when disaster struck
• (41:17) The mechanical failure that led to a 120-pound come-along striking Ike in the face
• (45:05) The extent of Ike's injuries: crushed skull, displaced vertebra, and the long road to recovery
• (50:29) Ike's powerful message: PPE only works if you wear it correctly
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

TAUC Calendar of Events
TAUC Website
Kirk Westwood TAUC
The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast archive

Could a simple helmet upgrade reduce your skull fracture risk by 66%?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Dr. Barry Miller, Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, to discuss the groundbreaking construction helmet safety study released in September. Dr. Miller, a national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, explains how Type II helmets significantly outperform traditional Type I hard hats in reducing traumatic brain injuries. The data reveals that switching to a Type II helmet can reduce concussion risk by 35% and skull fracture risk by 66%. As Dr. Miller emphasizes, "If you're exposed to falls from ladders or scaffolding, it'd be pretty wise to choose a Type II helmet." This conversation explores the testing methodology, top-performing brands, and what's next for construction head protection.

Dr. Barry Miller is the Senior Director of Outreach and Business Development at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, where he leads efforts to translate cutting-edge impact-testing research into practical tools that improve safety across multiple industries. A national authority on head protection and injury biomechanics, Dr. Miller has overseen the development of Virginia Tech's widely respected helmet rating systems, including the landmark construction helmet study released in September 2024. His work helps manufacturers innovate, helps workers stay safer on the job, and helps organizations make informed, evidence-based decisions about protective equipment.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) The headline: Type II helmets reduce concussion risk by 47% and skull fractures by 75%
• (03:06) How Virginia Tech modeled real-world falls using OSHA data from 600+ injury reports
• (08:09) Top performers revealed: Milwaukee BOLT, Studson, DeWalt, and KASK lead the ratings
• (13:18) Industry partners who funded this life-saving research
• (17:21) The biggest challenge: why helmet variability required 700+ helmets and 20 iterations
• (22:08) Real-world proof: Superintendent Ike Pritchett's Type II helmet saved his life
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Construction Ratings:

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab Website:

https://www.beam.vt.edu/helmet

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues

Did you know construction workers are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace injuries?

In this powerful episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). With over a decade in construction and a deeply personal connection to suicide prevention as a loss survivor, Sonya brings both industry expertise and authentic advocacy to this critical conversation. She reveals the sobering reality that construction sees 5,000 deaths by suicide compared to just 1,000 fatal workplace injuries annually. Sonya discusses practical tools for building cultures of care, breaking down mental health stigma, and implementing mental health champions on job sites. As Sonya powerfully states, "Is it about the mission or is it about a monument?" This episode challenges every construction professional to ask: Are we doing enough?

Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), where she leads national efforts to reduce suicide risk and promote mental health across the construction workforce. With over a decade of experience in construction and as a loss survivor who lost her sister to suicide 17 years ago, Sonya brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy to this critical mission. She works with contractors, unions, and industry leaders to build supportive cultures, expand awareness, and equip organizations with free resources to protect workers' well-being and make mental health a core component of construction safety.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) The staggering statistics that reveal construction's hidden crisis
• (03:37) How a loss survivor found her calling leading CIASP
• (07:44) Mission versus monument: keeping suicide prevention work ego-free
• (09:49) Breaking the stigma starts with making mental health conversation commonplace
• (14:53) Mental health champions: creating identifiable allies on every job site
• (19:11) Building cultures of care that go beyond pizza parties
• (24:28) When you feel trapped: resources for workers with no way out
• (26:47) The future of mental health in construction: making it what we just do
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

For more info visit: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

Why are we losing 20 times more construction workers to suicide than job site accidents?

In this important episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Justin Azbill of Tribal Group to tackle one of construction's most critical challenges: building safety cultures that actually save lives. Justin brings decades of frontline experience—from Marine Corps service to ironworker, firefighter, and safety leader for major contractors like Suffolk Construction and Canestro. He discusses the alarming reality that the industry loses approximately 20,000 workers annually to suicide and substance use disorder, and shares how his innovative Ally Code training is equipping leaders to address mental health proactively. Justin emphasizes that "a culture doesn't change overnight—it could be five years till you see ROI." Can your company afford to wait? Discover why true safety starts with respect, inclusion, and leadership that puts people first.

Justin Azbill is a workforce development and safety specialist with Tribal Group, where he helps contractors and unions strengthen jobsite culture through training, leadership coaching, and inclusive safety programs. A former Marine, ironworker, and firefighter, Justin has held senior safety leadership roles with Suffolk Construction, Canestro, and Milwaukee Tool. He founded Mission Mindset Us to address the construction industry's mental health crisis, which claims approximately 20,000 lives annually. Justin holds a PhD and advocates for a holistic approach to safety centered on respect, accountability, and empowering people at every level of the jobsite.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) From Marine Corps to ironworker to firefighter—Justin's unconventional path into construction safety
• (10:23) The shocking statistics behind construction's mental health crisis
• (13:41) Why traditional safety approaches miss the mark on culture and respect
• (17:44) Understanding the four mindset risks that lead workers to crisis
• (22:28) How the Ally Code is training leaders to spot warning signs and intervene early
• (28:40) Breaking down the real causes of substance use disorder on jobsites
• (30:07) What's next for Tribal Group and the future of the trades code
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

https://www.mission-mindsetus.org/

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues
The Construction User podcast ar...

How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years?

In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved?

Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Why a SMACNA president saw the workforce crisis coming during the pandemic
• (03:19) The missing piece in construction recruitment: getting parents on board
• (05:15) How two shops in East Palo Alto became a nationwide movement
• (10:42) When a Rhode Island graduate went from camper to employee in one year
• (16:22) Why high school students can weld fire pits but pre-apprentices cannot
• (23:26) Stop complaining and get some skin in the game: advice for contractors
• (29:40) What's next for Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how you can help
• Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

Resources:

Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/
Email Contact: info@hmse.org (reaches Angie Simon directly)

TAUC Website

Kirk Westwood TAUC

The Construction User Magazine back issues