Continuing our coverage of Construction Suicide Prevention Week, Justin Azbill, Director of National Health and Safety Strategy for Milwaukee Tool, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey with mental health and how it has led him to assist workers in the construction industry. He talked about the ways Milwaukee is helping workers prevent injuries through ergonomic study and training and the Boots on the Ground Tour this week as part of their support of National Suicide Prevention Month.
Azbill comes from a blue-collar background and didn’t know the meaning of turning down work no matter how stressful. He talked about suffering from depression and sleep deprivation within six months of taking a new role at work. Azbill discussed why he didn’t go through with a suicide attempt after talking with his daughter on that fateful day, and how that discussion helped him to change his path and begin a journey to recovery. Now with Milwaukee Tool, he can travel the country and share his story with construction workers and hopefully help someone through a time of strife.
Over 17,000 building and construction industry workers lost their lives to opioid misuse in 2023. Despite being a tool company, Azbill said Milwaukee is also a people company. He will embark on the Boots on the Ground Tour nationwide this week. Azbill discussed the tour events scheduled and how Milwaukee has enabled him to focus on helping those in the construction industry.
Part of Milwaukee Tool’s work with the trades includes providing tools and equipment to apprentices to help set them up for a successful start to their new careers. Azbill discussed the focus on ergonomics, which helps improve workers' lives through their use of better tools. This ties back into their work to improve mental health concerns and opioid misuse in the construction industry by relieving much of the pressure that causes workers to suffer injuries that could lead to prescription drug medication and potential misuse.
Learn more about the work Azbill and Milwaukee Tool are doing to help workers in the construction industry.