Health, Money & Life
The human side of the trade: mental health, money stress, your body, retirement and life's big moments.
It's OK to Not Be OK
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation. Low-skilled construction labourers face about three times the suicide risk of the average male worker. If you or someone you know is struggling, you don't have to deal with it alone. The organisations below are free, confidential and understand construction.
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Free, confidential support 24/7. You don't have to be in crisis to reach out - call or text.
Hope for Wellness Help Line
24/7 counselling for First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples across Canada. Available in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut.
Wellness Together Canada
Free mental-health and substance-use support funded by the Government of Canada - counselling, self-guided programs and peer support.
Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP)
Confidential addiction and mental-health treatment for unionized construction workers in British Columbia.
Russell Payne
The Talking Tradesman · RDP Decorator of the Year 2025
I started The Talking Tradesman because too many people in our industry are struggling in silence. For years, I didn't understand my own mindset or reactions - I just got on with it. Like most in the trades, you don't talk… until it catches up with you. This podcast is about changing that. Real conversations and a voice for real people. If you're struggling, you're not alone. And if you're not, check in on someone who might be. Because one conversation can change everything.
- Russell Payne, The Talking Tradesman
This section is supported by Russ, who has been open about his own mental health and campaigns to make the industry talk more and suffer less.
SiteKiln gives you plain-English information, not professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 - Suicide Crisis Helpline (free, 24/7).
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