The construction industry faces a silent crisis when it comes to mental health.
The statistics are staggering: construction workers face high rates of suicide, substance abuse, and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
The construction industry ranks second highest in suicide rates among significant industries in the United States..
Up to 90% of people who die by suicide have an underlying mental health condition.
We recognize the unique mental health challenges in the construction industry that our workers face. "The nature of our work with constantly changing work conditions influenced by weather, schedule, and material availability creates rampant instability in the industry, leads to sleeplessness, self-medication, and energy drinks in the morning to get back on our feet," says Skip Parry, Our Construction Risk Manager.
We believe in proactively supporting our employees' well-being through a comprehensive approach to help counteract the natural struggles that come with working in the construction industry. We developed a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program, peer support networks, regular workshops, and toolbox talks on stress management, mindfulness, and resilience building. Each initiative supports our goal of fostering a culture of openness, empathy, and support for our team members mental health, because in an industry where lives are on the line every day, we owe it to our team to ensure their physical and mental health is taken care of in every sense of the word.
Confronting Myths About Mental Health in the Construction Industry
As we work to break the stigma further, it’s important to start by highlighting the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health in the construction industry:
Myth 1: “Construction workers are tough; they don’t struggle with mental health.”
The Truth: The truth is construction workers are tough, but being tough doesn’t mean you don’t still grapple with your own mental health. The construction industry’s high-stress environment, long work hours, and job insecurity can significantly impact the mental well-being of our workers.
Myth 2: “Seeking help for mental health is a sign of weakness.”
The Truth: On the contrary, we recognize the need for support and taking steps to address mental health concerns is a sign of strength and resilience.
Myth 3: “Mental health issues don’t impact job performance or safety.”
The Truth: This is a dangerous misconception as employees experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression can compromise safety on construction sites, leading to more accidents and injuries.
We confront these myths head on because our teams' mental health is just as important as their physical safety, and we’re committed to supporting them every step of the way. Ignoring these issues is no longer an option, the overall health of our teams depends on our willingness to have open and honest conversations about mental health in the construction industry.
By shattering these harmful misconceptions, we can create an environment where our team members feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or stigma. The time has come to redefine what it means to be “tough” in the construction industry. True strength lies in the courage to confront our own struggles and support one another through life’s challenges. Let us lead by example and inspire our peers to join in this critical mission.
A Call to Action for the Construction Industry
We have a duty to confront this crisis head-on and share the steps we are taking to support our employees' mental health. We hope that by pulling back the curtain on our inner processes, we can inspire our partners, competitors, and friends across the construction industry to prioritize mental health and implement similar initiatives for their teams.
We do things differently because the gravity of this topic demands it. We cannot continue business as usual when our colleagues, friends, and family members are suffering in silence. That’s why we have integrated mental health awareness and support into our daily routines, creating a comprehensive approach we call the “Focus 4+1” program.
It’s time for the construction industry to take a stand and make mental health a top priority. We must come together, share our best practices, and support one another in creating a culture of openness and empathy. Only then can we truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of our workers.
Focus 4+1: Integrating Mental Health into Daily Routines
We start with the well-known “Focus Four” hazards identified by OSHA, which are falls, struck-by, caught-in/between, and electrocution account for leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries in the construction industry. While addressing these physical hazards is crucial, we recognize that mental health is equally important for ensuring our workers can think clearly, make sound decisions, remain vigilant on the job site, and develop resilience.
Impaired mental health can lead to decreased concentration, poor judgment, and increased risk-taking behavior, all of which can contribute to accidents or injuries. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical safety, we aim to create a comprehensive approach that safeguards our workers on all fronts.
"With Focus 4+1, we are taking the initiative to incorporate mental health topics into our daily routines at every level to remain in tune with our workers and the different challenges each faces throughout the days and nights," explains Tom Orr, our Senior Safety Manager.
The “+1” in our Focus 4+1 Program represents the addition of mental health initiatives to our existing safety protocols. Here’s how we’re integrating mental health into our daily routines:
Daily Toolbox Talks: At the start of each workday, our crews gather for a brief "toolbox talk," a discussion on a specific safety or health topic. We've incorporated mental health themes into these talks, covering topics like managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and recognizing the signs of depression or anxiety in ourselves and our colleagues.
Peer Support Networks: We have peer support groups where our workers can openly discuss their challenges and encourage each other. These groups are a safe, judgment-free space for our employees.
Wellness Workshops: Throughout the year, we host workshops on various wellness topics, including nutrition, exercise, and sleep. We're empowering our workers to take a proactive approach to their overall well-being and supporting their mental health.
+1:24/7 Employee Assistance Program: In addition to our on-site initiatives, we provide all our employees with access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our EAP offers around-the-clock support, including counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, and resources for managing personal or work-related challenges.
Through these initiatives, we want our employees to know that their well-being is just as important as their physical safety. Our approach is ever evolving as we continue to learn and adapt to the unique needs of our workforce. By integrating mental health into our daily routines, we are sending a clear message to our team that their mental health is a top priority, and we are here for them every step of the way. It’s not just the right thing to do but it also helps us build a more resilient, engaged, and productive team.
Fostering a Culture of Openness and Empathy
Changing the approach to mental health in the construction industry is no easy task, but we are determined to rise to the challenge. "We recognize that there is still a stigma surrounding mental health in our industry. That's why we're working to create an environment where our workers feel comfortable speaking up and seeking the support they need," says Skip.
To foster this culture of openness and empathy, our leadership team undergoes specialized training to better understand and respond to mental health concerns. We also empower our supervisors to be more attuned to their teams' emotional well-being, encouraging them to check in regularly and actively listen.
Additionally, we have implemented company-wide initiatives to destigmatize mental health and promote open dialogue. This includes hosting mental health awareness campaigns, sharing personal stories from our leadership, and providing resources and information on accessing support services. By leading by example and creating safe spaces for our team members to share their experiences, we aim to break down the barriers that have long prevented people from seeking the help they need.
We understand that changing the industry’s culture is a long-term endeavor, but we are committed to the wellness and safety of our team members. Every step we take fostering openness and empathy brings us closer to a future where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical safety on construction sites.
Investing in the Well-Being of Our Workforce
The statistics are staggering and unacceptable. Construction workers are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than work related accidents. We cannot afford to lose even one more life due to our collective failure to support mental health.
Investing in our teams' mental health is more than just the right thing to do; it's our responsibility and one we do not take lightly. Through our comprehensive "Focus 4+1" program and our dedication to continually fostering a culture of openness and empathy, we're confident that we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our teams and set a new standard for mental health in the construction industry.
“With our commitment to continuous improvement, we feel that this subject matter is paramount to the successes we see throughout our organization. Mental and physical safety are ingrained within our culture as illustrated within our Core Belief. I am proud of the groundbreaking work we are doing, being an Industry Leader, through our Focus 4+1 Program as I am excited to see this flourish both internally and externally.” says Kevin Butler, our Director of Environmental, Safety, and Quality.
This is not a problem any one company can solve alone; it requires a collective effort from the entire industry. We call on you to join us in this critical mission. Together, we can set a new standard for mental health support in the construction industry and create a future where no worker ever feels alone in their struggles.
Let us channel the same resilience, ingenuity, and commitment to excellence that has defined our industry for generations. By coming together and prioritizing mental health with the same passion as physical safety, we can build a culture where mental health is celebrated, not shunned. Where our teams know that their overall health and happiness are the top priorities.
The construction community has always been stronger when united.
Now is the time to demonstrate that strength by confronting this crisis head-on.
We must break the silences, shatter the stigma, and ensure that no more lives are lost due to our collective inaction.
The time for action is now!
Resources:
To learn more about our Environmental, Safety, and Quality Excellence, check out our ESQ page.
Interested in joining our team, check out our open positions.
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