Construction workers face higher risks of mental health challenges than other industries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates among males in construction are among the highest of any industry, second only to mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction.
Multiple factors contribute to mental health decline in construction, including extreme working conditions, extended hours and physically demanding tasks. What’s more, workers who are experiencing mental health issues can significantly compromise jobsite safety for themselves and others.
Workers without support or tools to address their mental health challenges can pose serious risks while on the job. The first step employers can take is to watch for warning signs of potential mental health concerns, like:
Construction workers who exhibit any of these warning signs could create dangerous situations for themselves and others. For example, concentration problems might lead to accidents with heavy machinery. Someone feeling disconnected from their surroundings could fall. And the entire team may suffer when a member is consistently absent or uncommunicative.
Beyond safety concerns, mental health issues impact performance quality. According to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, employees struggling daily with conditions like severe anxiety eventually disengage from their work, reducing both productivity and quality.
Fortunately, employers can take proactive steps to recognize mental health issues and support treatment efforts.
Team leaders and coworkers are ideally positioned to notice declining mental health and do something about it.
The first step in supporting workers’ mental health is identifying when it begins to decline.
Teams spend substantial time together on jobsites, creating opportunities to observe behavioral changes. Train everyone to recognize warning signs listed above as well as:
When all employees know how to recognize these signs and communicate concerns to management, you can initiate conversations that connect struggling workers with appropriate resources.
Take steps to ensure your benefits include accessible mental health care options:
Taking proactive approaches to mental health can create lasting positive effects across your organization:
When company leaders normalize mental health discussions, it reduces stigma and encourages workers to discuss challenges and seek assistance without shame.
A mentally healthy workforce demonstrates greater happiness, productivity and safety awareness. This Mental Health Awareness Month, commit to making mental health a priority in your workplace culture.