Safety Beyond the Site: Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Over the last several years, safety has become a focus for many contractors, including obvious job-site hazards like unprotected falls, struck-by objects, caught in-between, and electrical shocks. However, unseen mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts can be just as hazardous to worker safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a record number of people in the United States died of suicide in 2022. The construction industry has the second-highest suicide rate in the country, with 53.3 suicides per 100,000 workers—almost four times the national average of 14.3 per 100,000 and five times all other construction fatalities combined at 9.6 per 100,000.  

There are several job-related causes of stress, anxiety, and depression in contractors.

 
On-The-Job Stressors for Contractors

• Heavy workloads
• Long working hours
• Physical, high-risk tasks
• Frequent traveling
• Separation from family
• Working in isolation
• Layoffs
   

Management and Mental Health

Mental health issues affect the industry broadly, and management is no exception. Managing construction projects can be inherently stressful due to tight deadlines, limited budgets, and fluctuating job security. Managers often face additional pressures, balancing the demands of project delivery with the well-being of their teams. Management needs to recognize the signs of mental health struggles among employees and proactively provide support and resources. Creating an open dialogue about mental health, offering flexibility when possible, and leading by example can help alleviate stress and foster a more supportive and understanding work environment.

Barriers to Seeking Health

The industry's culture makes it difficult for construction workers to ask for help—even if they desperately need it. Often, construction workers do not want to show weakness and feel they must present themselves as tough, strong, and macho. Many are afraid to ask for help when it comes to a work-related task, let alone acknowledge mental health issues. It can be very uncomfortable for someone to express emotions and feelings, especially if there are suicidal thoughts.
 

Incorporating Mental Health into Safety Program

Since prevention is key regarding any safety matter, construction safety programs would do well to include mental health safety. Include mental health resources (e.g., local counselors and hotlines) in safety manuals with written indicators of when it may be wise to seek outside help. Reviewing these indicators in safety meetings might help diffuse nervousness about such topics. Openly talking about daily pressures and showing appreciation for workers can help calm the fears of someone struggling.

Resources for Mental Health Support

Reducing the stigma around mental health by cultivating a supportive workplace environment, normalizing mental health issues, and providing the right tools and resources can help create a safer place for your workers. Here are some valuable resources that can support mental health in the construction industry:

1. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Many companies offer EAPs, providing confidential counseling services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. These programs can offer immediate support and connect workers to professional counselors.
2. Counseling and Therapy Services: Encourage workers to seek professional counseling or therapy services if they are experiencing mental health issues. Many organizations offer in-person or online counseling options to provide convenient access to support.
3. Mental Health Hotlines: Provide employees access to mental health hotlines where they can speak with trained professionals anonymously. These hotlines can offer immediate support, crisis intervention, and guidance on accessing further resources.
4. Peer Support Programs: Implement peer support programs where workers can talk to colleagues with mental health training. Peer supporters can offer understanding, empathy, and advice, creating a supportive network within the workplace.
5. Workshops and Training Sessions: Organize workshops and training sessions focusing on stress management, resilience building, and mental health awareness. These programs can educate workers about mental health, its signs, and the importance of seeking help.
    

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are many resources available to get help.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/p1115-Suicide-american-workers.html

https://www.ehstoday.com/construction/article/21171410/the-biggest-danger-in-construction-work-is-poor-mental-health

https://www.axios.com/2023/11/29/suicide-deaths-rates-record-high-2022-cdc

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide#:~:text=100%2C000%20in%202020.-,The%20total%20age%2Dadjusted%20suicide%20rate%20in%20the%20United%20States,females%20(5.7%20per%20100%2C000).

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-fatalities-2023-bls-falls-safety/702974/